Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia
For many people, the fear of the dentist can be overwhelming, preventing them from seeking necessary care. These individuals may experience extreme nervousness, racing heartbeats, or even panic attacks when thinking about a dental appointment. Sleep dentistry under general anaesthetic ensures that they remain completely unaware during the procedure, bypassing any anxiety or fear altogether.
Signs You May Be a Candidate:
You may be a candidate if you avoidance of dental appointments due to fear, you sweat or shake at the thought of dental work or you have had previous traumatic dental experiences.
Patient's requiring extensive or complex dental procedures
Certain dental treatments, like full-mouth reconstructions, dental implants, or multiple tooth extractions, can take several hours to complete. For patients undergoing such extensive work, general anaesthesia allows them to remain comfortable and still throughout the entire process. It also enables dentists to complete multiple procedures in one session, saving time and reducing the need for multiple visits.
Signs You May Be a Candidate:
Need for multiple treatments or surgeries, lengthy or invasive procedures that would be difficult to tolerate while awake or a desire to complete extensive dental work in fewer appointments.
Patients with Special or Behavioural Needs
Patients with physical or developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, or behavioural challenges may find it difficult to stay still or comfortable during a dental procedure. In such cases, sleep dentistry offers a practical solution by ensuring the patient is completely unconscious, allowing the dentist to perform the necessary treatments without causing distress or discomfort.
Signs You May Be a Candidate:
Inability to cooperate during dental visits due to medical or behavioural conditions, difficulty sitting still or following instructions or if you have previous unsuccessful dental treatments due to physical or cognitive limitations.
Children or Adolescents Needing Complex Dental Work
Children, especially those who need major dental procedures or who are extremely fearful of the dentist, can benefit from sleep dentistry. For some younger patients, sitting still for long periods or undergoing painful procedures can be overwhelming. General anaesthesia can make the experience more manageable, ensuring they receive the care they need without trauma.
Signs Your Child May Be a Candidate:
Suffer severe fear or anxiety about dental appointments, need for significant or multiple procedures, such as extractions or crowns, or have the inability to cooperate during standard treatments due to age or behaviour.
Patients Who Have Experienced Previous Dental Trauma
Some individuals avoid the dentist due to previous traumatic experiences, such as painful procedures or negative interactions with dental professionals. For these patients, sleep dentistry offers a way to receive care without revisiting those traumatic feelings. General anaesthesia helps eliminate any conscious awareness of the procedure, making it a positive, pain-free experience.
Signs You May Be a Candidate:
You get anxiety triggered by memories of past dental trauma, reluctance to undergo necessary treatments due to fear of pain or discomfort or emotional distress related to previous dental experiences.
Contact Us Today!
At Sleep Dentistry Melbourne, we specialise in providing safe, effective sleep dentistry for a wide range of patients. Our team of experienced dentists and anaesthesiologists are dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety every step of the way. If you believe you may benefit from Sleep Dentistry for your next dental procedure, contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your options at 1300 255 600 or book a consultation here.
We are here to help you receive the dental care you need, free from fear, discomfort, or anxiety.
