Sleep Dentistry
Sedation and anaesthesia for dental treatment
Creative Smiles discusses sedation and anaesthesia options with patients attending our Armadale clinic from across Melbourne. Suitability depends on your health, medicines, anxiety, the planned procedure and clinical assessment. Sedation is not necessary or appropriate for every patient.
Local anaesthesia, sedation and general anaesthesia have different effects and risks. Your dental and anaesthetic clinicians will explain the proposed approach, alternatives, preparation, costs and recovery before you decide.
Understanding IV sedation and general anaesthesia
IV sedation can reduce awareness and anxiety, but its effects vary and you may remember parts of treatment. General anaesthesia makes you unconscious and requires a separate assessment and monitoring.
The appropriate approach depends on the patient and procedure. Children require an individual assessment and an appropriate care setting. Discuss your concerns with the treating team rather than assuming a particular technique is suitable.
We also offer General Anesthetic for patients.
You may feel drowsy or less aware during sedation, and recall varies. Afterwards, tiredness, nausea or other effects can occur. Recovery depends on the medicines, procedure and your health. Follow the anaesthetic clinician’s instructions even if you feel alert.
Sedation and general anaesthesia carry risks. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting and prolonged drowsiness. Serious complications can include breathing or heart problems and severe allergic reactions; very rarely, death can occur. Assessment and monitoring help manage risk but cannot eliminate it. Your clinician will explain the risks relevant to you.
Follow your clinician’s instructions about fasting, medicines, transport and supervision. After sedation or general anaesthesia, arrange a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you as advised. Do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or make important decisions for the period specified by your clinician.
Speak to our friendly staff on the phone or email your particular concerns to us. You are treated as an individual and we take care to listen and understand your particular concerns.




