We believe patients are entitled to experience treatment in a relaxed and calm environment, minimising any anxiety as much as possible. That said, we know for some patients the mere thought of dental visit, let alone a dental procedure, can cause feelings of fear and distress.
Dental phobias and anxiety can delay urgently needed treatment. Our aim is to provide prompt and immediate treatment to patients who require it. That is why we have made Dental Sedation available as an option for our clients, allowing every patient to proceed with treatment without delay, and without the stress, anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures.
Sedation Techniques Explored at MADC
Our centres works in collaboration with specially trained practitioners, clinically accredited in IV Conscious Sedation. This anaesthesia method is commonly referred to as ‘twilight’ sedation. Utilising dental sedation can alleviate the worry, discomfort, anxiety and fears some patients experience prior to and during dental procedures. IV Conscious Sedation creates a sense of drowsiness and patients might end up lightly sleeping throughout the treatment. Patients usually have little to no recollection of the procedure. The advantage being it is not necessary to be admitted to hospital for procedures compared to when a patient requires general anaesthetic.
Who is providing this Course?
We are not currrently running IV and Sedation Courses to dentists at MADC – to learn more about this particular course and who to contact, please get in touch with us.
Is dental sedation safe for patients?
As the dentist performs the dental side of the procedure, a second doctor will be present, who is solely responsible for the sedation process and remains in the surgery for the duration of the treatment monitoring the patient. The sedation provider is a member of the Australian Society of Anaesthesiology, holding a clinical postgraduate degree in Conscious Sedation and Pain Control.
Side effects from the sedation process are uncommon, however in some rare cases there have been reports of drowsiness following the procedure, mild nausea, and bruising/swelling at the site of the IV injection.
As with all treatments involving drug-based sedation, there are always possible risks of reaction and complication. It is important to know that any equipment and reversal drugs necessary in any extremely rare case of emergency will be within reach to manage any situation. These risks will be discussed with the sedation provider during a consultation, where any of your concerns can be addressed.
Persons aged 12 – 70 who are in good health will usually meet the selection criteria for IV conscious sedation. Your suitability for IV sedation will require prior assessment and approval from the sedation provider in a consultation before to any treatment.
Which procedures are suitable for sedation?
When considering if this service will have a positive impact on your experience at MADC, we would suggest that the longer and more invasive dental procedures will benefit greatly from dental sedation. Procedures which exceed an hour may allow the option for sedation. For example, procedures involving multiple implants or oral surgery can find dental sedation very beneficial for patient comfort. If you are unsure if a treatment can be completed in conjunction with sedation, please do not hesitate to ask us.
What are the costs of dental sedation?
The cost of sedation varies depending on length of procedure and the number of hours the sedation provider is required to be in surgery. Our sedation services are provided by an independent doctor working in partnership with our centre. Therefore a billed consultation with our partnered sedation provider will be required prior to treatment to determine candidacy. Further fees and medicine costs may also apply; however these will be discussed in consultation.
For further information on dental sedation, or for any other inquiries, please contact our friendly reception on (03) 8683 0383. We are also able to put you in contact with our sedation partner if you have more specific clinical questions.
