Anxious Patients
Anxious Patients
At Raceview Dental our dentists are trained to provide treatment in a gentle and caring manner. Most treatment can be done in the dental chair without the need for further sedation techniques. However, we understand some of our patients may be particularly anxious and as such we do offer treatment under nitrous sedation, IV sedation, or general anaesthetic.
Nitrous Sedation
At Raceview Dental, during this form of sedation, our patients remain conscious. It involves breathing in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous gas through a mask placed over the patient’s nose, commonly known as ‘laughing gas’. This reduces pain, anxiety, and gag reflexes, and patients experience a pleasant, relaxed feeling.
Advantages of Nitrous Sedation
- Cost-effective
- Safe
- Patients are calm, comfortable, and in control
- No escort required
- No fasting required
- Flexible duration
- Rapid onset and recovery
- Suitable for all ages
Some people may not be suitable for this form of sedation, such as pregnant women and people with nasal obstructions. Please call us at (07) 3202 4566 to book a consultation and see if you’re a suitable candidate.
IV Sedation
At Raceview Dental, IV sedation is provided for patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. This form of sedation is administered by a qualified clinician through a small cannula placed in the arm or hand. The medication works quickly to produce a deeply relaxed, drowsy state while patients remain conscious and able to respond to instructions.
Most patients remember very little of the procedure and feel calm and comfortable throughout their treatment.
Advantages of IV Sedation
- Deep level of relaxation
- Little to no memory of the procedure
- Fast-acting and adjustable during treatment
- Ideal for anxious or phobic patients
- Suitable for longer or more complex procedures
Patients will require an escort to take them home after the appointment and may need to fast beforehand. A consultation is required to determine suitability for IV sedation.
Please call us at (07) 3202 4566 to speak with our team and arrange a consultation.
General Anaesthetic
At Raceview Dental, we offer general anaesthetic treatment, which is the ultimate sedation method for the anxious patient. During general anaesthesia, patients are ‘put to sleep’ by specialist anaesthetists. This is performed as day surgery, with patients able to go home the same day.
Advantages of General Anaesthetic
- Patients sleep through the entire procedure
- No unpleasant sights, smells, or sounds
- Time-efficient (multiple treatments in one session)
- Safe, with specialist anaesthetists in a hospital setting
Some people may not be suitable for general anaesthetic. Please call us at (07) 3202 4566 to book a consultation and see if you’re a suitable candidate.