Dental Anxiety & Nervous Patient Care in Bundoora
Whether you’ve had a negative dental experience in the past or feel nervous about visiting the dentist, our team can discuss ways to support you during dental care. Sedation options may be considered for suitable patients following an assessment of their health, treatment needs and individual concerns.
Bundoora Sedation Dentistry for Nervous and Anxious Patients
If you feel anxious or nervous about dental visits, we’re here to discuss your concerns. At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, we understand that fear, previous experiences or a sensitive gag reflex can make dental treatment difficult for some patients. Dr Chandni Passi and our dental team can discuss sedation and other supportive approaches where appropriate.
Whether your concerns involve needles, a strong gag reflex or general dental anxiety, we take the time to understand them and discuss how your care may be adapted. Sedation suitability depends on your medical history, the treatment planned and the type of sedation being considered.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
When Sedation Dentistry May Be Considered
Sedation may be considered for some patients who:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or fear
- Have previously avoided dental treatment because of anxiety
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Require longer or more complex dental treatment
- Find it difficult to remain still during treatment
- Have had previous dental experiences that make future treatment difficult
We’ll discuss your concerns, medical history and planned dental treatment before determining whether a particular sedation option may be appropriate.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to reduce awareness, anxiety or responsiveness during dental treatment, depending on the type and level of sedation used. The appropriate option depends on the patient’s medical history, treatment requirements and clinical assessment.
- Happy Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
- IV Sedation
- General Anaesthesia
Different forms of sedation may be used depending on the procedure, patient’s health and level of sedation required. Some forms of sedation may need to be provided by, or in conjunction with, an appropriately qualified practitioner.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
From your first consultation to aftercare, we aim to make every step as comfortable as possible:
- Initial Consultation
We’ll discuss your medical history, medications, dental concerns and planned treatment before assessing which sedation options may be suitable. - Before the Appointment
Before your appointment, you’ll receive instructions specific to the sedation method being used. These may include guidance about eating and drinking, regular medications, transport and whether another adult needs to accompany you home. - During Treatment
During treatment, your level of awareness and responsiveness will depend on the type of sedation used. Local anaesthetic may also be required for the dental procedure itself. Your dentist will explain what to expect before treatment begins. - After Your Visit
Recovery and post-treatment restrictions depend on the type of sedation used. You’ll be given instructions about driving, supervision, eating, drinking, medication and returning to normal activities before you leave the clinic.
Ask About Sedation Options for Dental Treatment
At Radiant Smiles Dental Bundoora, sedation options may be considered for suitable patients who experience dental anxiety or require additional support during treatment.
Available Treatments with Sedation
Sedation may be considered for a range of dental procedures where clinically appropriate, including:
- Tooth Extractions (including wisdom teeth)
- Dental Fillings
- Root Canal Treatment
- Smile Makeovers and Cosmetic Dentistry
- Dental Implants
- Emergency Dentistry
- Comprehensive Check-Ups and Cleans
If you’re interested in sedation, let us know when booking so suitability and any required preparation can be discussed before treatment.
Sedation has potential risks and side effects, which vary according to the medication or technique used, the level of sedation, the patient’s medical history and the dental procedure being performed. Before sedation is recommended, your health history and other relevant factors will be assessed and the specific risks and instructions will be discussed with you.
Whether you remain awake depends on the form and depth of sedation used. With nitrous oxide or lighter levels of sedation, patients generally remain conscious and responsive. Deeper sedation or general anaesthesia produces a different level of consciousness. Your dentist or sedation provider will explain what to expect for the method being considered.
Driving restrictions depend on the type of sedation used. You may need another adult to accompany you home and may be advised not to drive for a specified period. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist or sedation provider for your particular treatment.
Nitrous oxide sedation may be considered for some children depending on their age, medical history, level of anxiety, ability to cooperate and the dental treatment required. Suitability should be assessed individually before sedation is recommended.
If dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, previous dental experiences or difficulty tolerating treatment are affecting your ability to receive dental care, you can discuss sedation with your dentist. Whether sedation is appropriate depends on your health, the treatment planned and your individual circumstances.
