SLEEP DENTISTRY - You have a choice

SLEEP through your next dental treatment with us!

Sleep dentistry is the use of medically administered and supervised IV sedation (sometimes called ‘Twilight Sedation’, ‘Twilight sleep’ or ‘Sedation Dentistry’). It is the most advanced form of dental sedation available and uses a combination of sedative and pain relieving drugs administered and supervised by an experienced medical doctor.

Although you may be unaware that it is available, once Sleep Dentistry is experienced you will have an entirely new, positive and relaxed outlook when you next see the dentist.

Sleep Dentistry is used to create a drowsy and dream-like state of deep, calming relaxation for the entire duration of your dental procedure.

It is safer than a general anaesthetic and does not require hospitalisation. You can have Sleep Dentistry here in the clinic while you sit in the dentist's chair.

Sleep Dentistry begins even before the dentist gives you the first needles, and is precisely adjusted, tailored and modified to each patient's individual needs.

You are ready to go home after only a short waking up period. There is no hangover.

Sleep Dentistry is administered by Dr. Bree Belford, an experienced and qualified medical doctor in the field of Medical, Surgical, and Dental sedation techniques. He maintains a full-time practice providing sedation exclusively to dental patients. He is by your side the entire time.

What can Sleep Dentistry do for you?

Sleep Dentistry eliminates the awareness, sights, sounds, smells, tastes and pain of needles, instruments and drilling.

• Sleep Dentistry eliminates the boredom of long or complex sessions and enables you to relax.
• Sleep Dentistry eliminates fear, anxiety and discomfort and makes the dental experience enjoyable.
• Sleep Dentistry allows your dental procedures to be more comfortable than you ever thought possible.
• Sleep Dentistry enables you to receive the dental care you need.

What are the advantages of Sleep Dentistry?

• It is the most advanced and modern sedation technique available, providing comprehensive control of fear, stress and anxiety, with the added benefit of superior pain relief.
• It is administered and monitored by an experienced doctor who maintains a full-time practice utilising dental sedation techniques.
• It produces a profound state of relaxation and calm. You stay comfortable throughout your dental procedure and come out of sedation gently and naturally, with a relaxed sense of well-being and no hangover or unpleased side-effects! Recovery is usually rapid.

Why do people put off seeing the dentist?

Overseas studies suggest that up to 50% of adults delay or avoid seeing their dentist – often for many years – mainly due to anxiety, fear or anticipated discomfort. This can lead to advanced tooth and gum problems, reduced function, bad breath, poor cosmetic appearance and unnecessary suffering and pain.

It is established practice to give IV sedation routinely for uncomfortable or invasive medical procedures, such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, to make them comfortable and tolerable.

Your Personal Health Summary 

In addition to managing your sedation, Dr. Belford prepares a written Health Summary for you at the end of the session.

This gives you information on your current health status, physical exam, vital signs and physiological data (such as blood pressure, heart and lung function, cholesterol, blood glucose levels, ECG etc.) and provides advice and suggestions on improving health and lifestyle factors in conjunction with your regular doctor. 

Who can benefit from Sleep Dentistry? 

Sleep Dentistry is beneficial for people who:

• Hate needles and shots
• Have a low pain threshold
• Have difficulty getting numb
• Hate the noises, smells, tastes and pain of dental treatment
• Have had traumatic experiences with dentistry in the past
• Have a stronger or ‘hair-trigger’ gag-reflex (gag easily)
• Have very sensitive teeth or gums

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I feel any pain or remember anything about the dental treatment?

A: No. Sleep dentistry begins before the first needles are given by the dentist and you will wake up when it's all over, with no recollection of anything. There is no pain or discomfort.

Q: Will I be asleep?

A: You are in a very deeply relaxed state from which you are still responsive. It is commonly referred to as 'Twilight Sedation' or 'Twilight Sleep'. When you fully wake up, you have no recollection of the entire procedure.

Q: Will I be monitored?

A: Yes, Dr. Belford is sitting at your side the entire time. He is constantly adjusting and maintaining your sedation and monitoring your pulse, blood pressure, impendence pneumography (measures breathing and ventilation), oxygen saturation, ECG and your depth of sedation. You are never alone.

Q: Does the dentist still have to give me injections in the mouth?

A: Local anaesthetic injections are still an important technique to make sure that you have no pain. The big difference however is that you won't feel or be aware of any of the needles - Sleep Dentistry begins first!

Q: Is it safe?

A: Yes. Thousands of people undergo sedation every day for a wide variety of uncomfortable procedures such as endoscopy, colposcopy, bronchoscopy, colonoscopy and dentistry. Very small doses are used in Sleep Dentistry. The safety of sedation in dentistry is documented in a number of studies as well as in every day clinical use. When administered and supervised by an experienced medical doctor, sedation is both safe and highly effective.

Q: Which dental procedures can be done under Sleep Dentistry?

A: Sleep Dentistry can be used for any type of dental procedure including cleaning, fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, extractions and implants. Multiple procedures, complex treatment and even surgery can be done in the one session because you will be relaxed, comfortable and pain-free. Time seems to fly by in an instant.

Q: Can I drive home?

A: No. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after the session. You should not drive or operate any tools or machinery for the rest of the day.

Q: What do I have to do to prepare?

A: In addition to arranging for someone to drive you home, you should not eat any food for 6 hours or drink fluids for 2 hours prior to your appointment. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. A full information package is available from the dentist or the doctor.

Q: Can I speak with the doctor prior to the sedation?

A: Yes. Dr. Belford will have a consultation with you before the session to explain the procedure in detail and to answer any questions. The dentist can give you Dr. Belford's phone number if you or your own doctor wish to speak with him before your appointment. He is very approachable and will be happy to discuss any issues with you and answer any questions.

Q: I keep putting off the dentist. I'm not very brave! Am I the only one?

A: No you're not! It would surprise you to know just how many people are choosing to have their dental treatment done with Sleep Dentistry. The main reason people avoid needed dental work is anxiety and fear. Most people are simply unaware that Sleep Dentistry is an option. They are pleasantly surprised to find that their dental visit can actually be relaxing and enjoyable once they experience what Sleep Dentistry can do for them.

Q: Is there a Medicare benefit (rebate) available?

A: Yes. Dr. Belford will explain the Medicare rebate to you.