Sleep Dentistry in Brisbane: Easy Dental Care with General Anaesthesia

baby teeth
Choose sleep dentistry in Brisbane for children with dental phobia

Pure Dentistry provides sleep dentistry in Brisbane using general anaesthesia. Highly trained, experienced specialist anaesthetics provide the sedation in a closely monitored environment. Pure Dentistry’s sleep dentistry service in Brisbane is a comfort-based approach, also known as sedation dentistry or dental sedation.

With sedation, the patient can receive dental treatment without being physically restrained. It’s a safe, pain-free, stress-free, and time-saving procedure that’s beneficial for patients needing multiple treatments done in one appointment, patients with anxiety, or patients with medical conditions or disabilities that make traditional dental appointments challenging. This approach is not for everyone but can be a game-changer for certain individuals.

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What Is Sleep Dentistry in Brisbane?

Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry or dental sedation, uses general anaesthesia (GA) to put patients in a sleep-like state during their dental procedure. Depending on the treatment required, an oral surgeon and sedation dentist will be present during your procedure to monitor your state. Sleep dentistry is a pain-free and safe means of treating patients while they are in a state of medication-induced unconsciousness.

What are the three types of sedation?

There are three main types of sleep dentistry offered: treatment with happy gas in the dental chair, treatment under IV or twilight sedation in a dental chair, and dental treatment under general anaesthesia in a hospital. While happy gas does not put the patient to sleep, it helps them relax and may reduce anxiety during the procedure. Happy gas is less expensive than IV sedation or general anaesthesia and allows the sedation dentist more flexibility in scheduling. However, the dentist may recommend general anaesthesia for patients with extensive treatment needs or who cannot tolerate happy gas. There are limits to how much happy gas can be administered in a traditional dental office, while a full level of sedation can only be administered in a hospital setting.

General anaesthesia (GA) induces a controlled state of unconsciousness where the patient feels nothing during the dental procedure. It also eliminates any anxiety and discomfort associated with dental procedures.

Our Sleep Dentistry Specialists in Brisbane

Pure Dentistry has a team of experienced sleep dentists offering sleep dentistry in Brisbane. Dr Raghed Bashour is a cosmetic dentist and oral surgeon providing sleep dentistry for adults, along with dentist Dr Sari Simawy and Dr Matthew Peyravi. Dr Soha Sharif is a trained child dentist in Brisbane and a member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, offering sleep dentistry for toddlers and teenagers up to the age of 14 years old.

Implant Dentist in Brisbane Dr Raghed Bashour

Dr. Raghed Bashour

Experienced Cosmetic Dentist and Surgeon
Dr Sari Simawy Dentist Brisbane.

Dr. Sari Simawy

Dentist in Brisbane
Child-friendly dentist Brisbane

Dr Soha Sharif

Experienced Child Dentist in Brisbane

Dentistry for Children: In-Chair | Painless Dental Care for Kids Under General Anaesthesia

Brisbane Dentist Dr Matthew Peyravi

Dr Matthew Peyravi

Dentist in brisbane

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Who Can Benefit from Sleep Dentistry in Brisbane?

Sleep Dentistry for Individuals with Dental Phobia or Anxiety

Fear of dental procedures is common and can prevent people from seeking necessary dental care. The use of general anaesthesia in sleep dentistry can alleviate anxiety and fear by ensuring patients are unconscious and unaware during the procedure.

Some patients have dental phobia, which is a strong fear of dental appointments and undergoing dental treatment. This intense fear of dental care can negatively impact their overall oral health.

Finding a paediatric sleep dentist in Brisbane near me
Sleep dentistry is an option for anxious patients

Sleep Dentistry for Individuals with Special Needs

Sleep dentistry may be beneficial for patients with special needs who have difficulty tolerating dental work in a traditional setting. For those with physical or mental disabilities, sitting still for a dental procedure can be challenging. Sleep dentistry provides a safe way to receive necessary dental care in a comfortable and stress-free environment.

For patients with special needs, sleep dentistry allows the dentist to complete multiple procedures in one appointment. This is especially beneficial for special needs adults and children with mental or physical disabilities who may have difficulty sitting still for long periods.

What are the benefits of sleep dentistry for individuals with special needs?

Sleep dentistry using general anaesthesia offers specific benefits for individuals with special needs. Here are some of the advantages:

  1. Improved Comfort and Cooperation: Individuals with physical or mental disabilities may have difficulty sitting still or cooperating during dental procedures. General anaesthesia ensures they are completely unconscious and relaxed, eliminating any discomfort or resistance.
  2. Reduced Anxiety and Fear: Dental visits can be overwhelming for individuals with special needs due to sensory sensitivities or communication challenges. General anaesthesia allows them to bypass any anxiety or fear associated with the dental environment, ensuring a more relaxed and stress-free experience.
  3. Enhanced Safety: Some individuals with special needs may have difficulty understanding instructions or exhibit uncontrolled movements, increasing the risk of injury during dental procedures. General anaesthesia ensures their safety by keeping them completely still and preventing accidental harm.
  4. Efficient Treatment: Dental procedures can often be time-consuming, especially when dealing with special needs patients. Our dental team can work more efficiently with general anaesthesia since the patient is unconscious, which can help reduce the overall duration of the procedure.
  5. Comprehensive Dental Care: Individuals with special needs may require more extensive or specialised dental treatment. Dentists can perform many procedures in a single session with general anaesthesia, including complex treatments, multiple wisdom teeth extractions, or oral surgery. This minimises the need for multiple appointments and ensures comprehensive care.
  6. Reduced Traumatic Memories: Dental experiences that involve pain, fear, or discomfort can lead to lasting traumatic memories, making future dental visits even more challenging. Sleep dentistry with general anaesthesia allows individuals with special needs to have a painless and anxiety-free dental experience, reducing the likelihood of developing negative associations with dental care.

It’s important to note that the decision to use general anaesthesia should be made after thoroughly evaluating the patient’s specific needs and health conditions and in consultation with our dental care team. We can assess the individual’s suitability for general anaesthesia and provide appropriate guidance to ensure the best dental care for individuals with special needs.

 

Is sleep dentistry available for adults or children with special needs?

Special needs dentists or paediatric dentists may recommend sleep dentistry for patients, including children, who have special needs that make it difficult for them to receive dental care in a traditional setting. Sleep dentistry may also be recommended for extensive dental treatment requiring multiple lengthy appointments.

One of the main reasons special needs dentists recommend sleep dentistry is to avoid traumatising the patient. Our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane allows the special needs dentist to perform procedures the patient might not tolerate while awake. For example, a paediatric dentist may recommend sleep dentistry for a baby who needs spacers, as placing space maintainers can be challenging for young children (e.g. three years old).

Early Dental Visits for Kids
Sleep dentistry for special needs patients in Brisbane

Sleep Dentistry for Children or Adolescents with Severe Dental Fear or Behavioural Needs

Young patients with difficulty cooperating due to fear, dental phobia, or behavioural issues can also benefit from our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane. Our sedation dentists and oral surgeon can make the dental care experience safer and more comfortable for patients and their carers, reducing their anxiety without physical restraint.

Sleep Dentistry for Individuals Undergoing Extensive or Complex Dental Procedures

Sleep dentistry can be beneficial for patients undergoing procedures like multiple tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, root canal treatment, or oral surgery, which can be lengthy and stressful. General anaesthesia can make these experiences more comfortable.

What dental procedures are performed under sleep dentistry?

  • Tooth extractions (e.g. wisdom teeth removal)
  • Dental implants
  • Gum disease treatment
  • Dental bone grafting
  • Root canal treatment
  • Oral surgery
  • Cleft lip or palate treatment
  • Dental crowns & bridges

How does sleep dentistry benefit those undergoing extensive or complex dental procedures?

General anaesthesia helps people who are having long or complicated dental treatments by making the experience more comfortable and less stressful. It works by putting the person to sleep, similar to when they’re having surgery at a hospital. During this deep sleep, they won’t feel anything and won’t be aware of what’s happening.

The benefits of our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane for these types of dental procedures are:

  1. Pain-Free Treatment: General anaesthesia ensures that the person won’t experience any pain during the procedure. They’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel the dental tools or discomfort.
  2. Reduced Anxiety and Fear: Complex dental procedures can be intimidating and cause anxiety. With general anaesthesia, the person doesn’t have to worry or feel scared because they won’t be conscious or aware of what’s happening. It helps them relax and eliminates any fears they may have.
  3. Improved Focus and Efficiency: When a dental procedure is long or complicated, it requires a lot of concentration and precision from the sedation dentist. General anaesthesia allows the dentist to work more efficiently because the person is completely still and relaxed. This can help shorten the overall time needed for the treatment.
  4. Comprehensive Treatment in One Session: Some extensive procedures require multiple visits to the dentist. With general anaesthesia, the dentist can complete all the necessary work in a single session while the person is sedated. It saves time, eliminates the need for multiple appointments, and ensures everyone receives all the required dental care simultaneously.
  5. No Unpleasant Memories: People may have unpleasant memories or anxiety related to past dental experiences. They won’t remember anything about the procedure with general anaesthesia because they were asleep. Sleep dentistry helps prevent the formation of negative associations with dental visits, making future appointments less daunting.

It’s important to discuss the use of general anaesthesia with the sedation dentist or oral surgeon to understand the potential risks and benefits specific to each individual. They will assess the person’s health and the complexity of the dental procedure and make an informed decision to provide the best possible care while ensuring safety and comfort.

Contact us if you have any questions about our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane for dental implant sedation, wisdom teeth sedation, special needs dental sedation, root canal treatment sedation, or general dental sedation in Brisbane.

Dental crowns Brisbane
Our sleep dentistry service is performed by a highly-trained and experienced specialist anaesthetist in Brisbane

Sleep Dentistry for Individuals with a Strong Gag Reflex

A strong gag reflex can interfere with dental procedures. General anaesthesia can suppress this reflex, making dental treatment more efficient. Book a consultation with our specialists to determine if our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane is right for you.

A gag reflex, also known as a pharyngeal reflex, is the body’s natural response to protect the throat and airway from foreign objects. Dental tools can stimulate the back of the throat, causing a person to gag to prevent choking.

dental phobia in kids
Safe sedation with general anaesthesia for children with a gag reflex

Sleep Dentistry for Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions

Our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane, using general anaesthesia, can particularly benefit patients with certain medical conditions that make traditional dental procedures challenging. Our sedation dentists may recommend sleep dentistry with general anaesthesia for specific medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

What medical conditions might require sleep dentistry using general anaesthesia?

  • Parkinson’s Disease: This condition can cause tremors and uncontrolled movements, making it difficult for patients to stay still during dental procedures.
  • Cerebral Palsy: Similar to Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy can cause muscle spasms or involuntary movements that can interfere with dental procedures.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder: Some individuals with autism may have difficulty with sensory processing, including discomfort with the sounds, tastes, and sensations associated with dental procedures. They may also have difficulty staying still for extended periods.
  • Down Syndrome: Individuals with Down syndrome may have certain physical characteristics, such as a smaller oral cavity or larger tongue, that can make dental procedures more challenging. They may also have difficulty understanding and cooperating during dental procedures.
  • Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia: Patients with cognitive impairments may not understand the need for dental procedures and may become agitated or distressed.
  • Severe Anxiety Disorders: While not a physical condition, severe anxiety disorders, including dental phobia, can make dental visits extremely stressful. In these cases, general anaesthesia may be considered to help the patient relax and ensure the dental procedure can be performed safely.
  • Developmental Disorders: Other developmental disorders, such as ADHD, can make it difficult for patients to sit still during a dental procedure.
  • Epilepsy: For patients with epilepsy, the stress of a dental procedure could potentially trigger a seizure. Using general anaesthesia can help manage this risk.
  • Certain Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can affect the body’s connective tissue and may require special considerations during dental procedures.

It’s important to note that the decision to use general anaesthesia for sleep dentistry should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s overall health, the specific dental procedure, and the potential benefits and risks. The decision to use our sleep dentistry service in Brisbane should be made in consultation with the dentist or oral surgeon and, if necessary, the patient’s primary care physician or specialist.

What can a paediatric dentist do for a child with epilepsy?

Treatment Options for Children Who Have Difficulty Cooperating

Paediatric dentists can provide dental treatment for children who cannot cooperate with dental procedures in a traditional setting. One of the reasons that dentists refer patients to kids’ dentists is that they can treat children while they are asleep. The paediatric dentist can administer laughing gas; however, if the child cannot coordinate breathing through their nose while their mouth is open, the laughing gas is ineffective, and the dentist may recommend treatment while the child is asleep. Contact us for more information on our sleep dentistry in Brisbane service.

Important Considerations

  • When a child is being treated under general anaesthesia, the kids’ dentist will consider the reason for the procedure and whether removing and replacing the tooth would cause more damage.
  • Kids’ dentists also prefer to avoid removing baby teeth unless necessary, as they help guide adult teeth. If a baby tooth does need to be removed, a spacer (space maintainer) can be placed to hold the space open for the adult tooth.
Toothache Brisbane Dentist
General anaesthesia is an option for patients needing multiple dental procedures

The Sleep Dentistry Process at Pure Dentistry Brisbane

Dental treatment under general anaesthesia at Pure Dentistry in Brisbane involves a multi-step process that includes consultation, coordination, the procedure, and post-operative care.

1. Initial Consultation & Assessment

  • During the initial consultation for sleep dentistry in Brisbane, the sedation dentist will examine the patient’s teeth, take X-rays if necessary, and discuss the patient’s medical history.
  • The sedation dentist will then create a treatment plan and discuss available sedation options, including general anaesthesia, IV sedation, and happy gas.
  • If the patient decides to proceed with general anaesthesia, the sleep dentist will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions the patient may have.
  • The sedation dentist will also inform the patient about the estimated costs involved, including the sedation dentist’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s, and the hospital admission fee.
  • The patient will be required to complete a medical history form and may need to consult an anesthesiologist to ensure they are a suitable candidate for sleep dentistry under general anaesthesia.
  • A deposit is required to secure the booking.

2. Preparation Before Your Appointment

After the initial consultation with the sleep dentist is complete, the following coordination is typically required before booking dental treatment under general anaesthesia:

    • Confirmation of Treatment Plan: The sedation dentist will create a treatment plan outlining the procedures needed, which the patient needs to review and agree to.
    • Securing a Date and Time: The dentist will coordinate with the patient and the hospital to find a suitable date and time for the sleep dentistry procedure in Brisbane.
    • Anaesthetist Arrangements: The dental coordinator will schedule an anesthesiologist for the procedure and provide the patient with their contact information. The anaesthetist will typically contact the patient a few days (e.g. two days) before the procedure to discuss medical history and preoperative instructions, including fasting requirements.
    • Hospital Pre-admission: The patient must complete a pre-admission form for the hospital. The dental coordinator or the hospital will usually provide the link for this form.
    • Consent Forms: The patient must sign consent forms for both the dental practice and the hospital. The dental office will provide these forms.
    • Payment Coordination: There are three sides to the costs of sleep dentistry. The patient will typically need to pay a deposit to the dental clinic to secure the booking. The remaining balance for the dental fees is usually due a week before the procedure. The anesthesiologist and the hospital will have their own separate fees. The anaesthetist typically requires payment a few days before the procedure, while the hospital may collect payment on the day of the procedure. The patient is responsible for understanding their insurance coverage and settling out-of-pocket expenses.

3. Your Sleep Dentistry Procedure

  • Patients undergoing dental treatment under general anaesthesia will have their sleep dentistry procedure at a hospital, not in a traditional dental chair at the Pure Dentistry clinic in Upper Mount Gravatt, Brisbane.
  • The patient must arrive at the hospital about an hour or two before the scheduled procedure time for admission.
  • During the procedure, an anaesthetist will administer the general anaesthesia, and the patient will be completely asleep.
  • The dentist will then perform the necessary dental treatment, including wisdom tooth extractions, fillings, crowns, implants, root canals, paediatric dentistry for children, etc.

4. Post-Operative Care

  • After the sleep dentistry procedure, the patient will be monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and alert.
  • The dentist will instruct the patient on postoperative care, including pain management, oral hygiene, and eating restrictions.
  • Patients will need to avoid swimming for approximately ten days after extractions.
  • The patient must schedule a follow-up appointment with the sleep dentist to monitor their healing and address concerns.

5. Fees & Health Fund Insurance Cover

  • Dental treatment under general anaesthesia provides extra comfort for the patient and is pricier than local anaesthesia because of the additional fees associated with the anesthesiologist and hospital.
  • Medicare does not cover dental treatment under general anaesthesia in the hospital, but private health insurance may cover part or all of the costs, depending on your level of coverage.
  • Patients are responsible for paying the sleep dentist’s fees upfront and can submit an itemised invoice to their private health insurer for reimbursement after the sleep procedure is completed.
  • The anaesthetist and the hospital will bill patients separately.
Dental Care for Children with Autism
Visit Pure Dentistry's clinic in Upper Mt Gravatt, Brisbane

Sleep Dentistry Safety & Medical Considerations

While general anaesthesia can be beneficial, it’s not without risks, such as nausea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, brain damage or death. These risks are low, especially in healthy individuals, but they should be considered. It’s crucial to discuss your health history, current medications, and the nature of the procedure with your dentist or oral surgeon before undergoing sleep dentistry. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks to make an informed decision about your care. Contact us for more information on our sleep dentistry in Brisbane service.

Book a Sleep Dentistry Consultation in Brisbane

Call us on (07) 3343 4869 to make a consultation appointment with our sedation dentists. This step is required to review the medical history and assess if sleep dentistry suits your conditions. Or book a consultation appointment online directly from the link above and below.

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