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
If dental anxiety has been preventing you from getting the treatment you need, IV sedation can help you feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout your appointment.
IV sedation is recommended for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, those undergoing longer or more complex procedures, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed treatment experience.
Unlike most dental clinics, at our clinic IV sedation is provided by a qualified Anaesthetist (along with his assistant nurse), who administers and monitors the sedation throughout your procedure. The sedation medication is delivered through a small cannula placed in your arm and works quickly to create a deeply relaxed, drowsy state.
Most patients remember very little to nothing of their procedure and report feeling comfortable throughout their appointment.
Benefits of IV Sedation
- Deep relaxation throughout treatment
- Little to no memory of the procedure
- Fast-acting medication that can be adjusted during treatment
- Ideal for patients with dental anxiety or phobia
- Suitable for longer or more complex dental procedures
Before your appointment, a consultation is required to determine whether IV sedation is suitable for you. You may also need to fast before your procedure, and you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you afterwards.
As our IV sedation is administered by a qualified Anaesthetist, Medicare rebates will apply. For more information on IV sedation please visit the website of our friendly Anaesthetic team – Asleep Dentistry.
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.