Sleep Dentistry: What You Need to Know

Some people don’t bat an eyelid during visits to the dentist while other avoid the dentist for years of end. If you fall into the latter category, sleep dentistry could be a good option for you to consider. Sleep dentistry uses medication and IV sedation to relax patients before dental procedures and offers a solution for dentist-related fear and anxiety.

If the thought of being in the dentist’s chair is all too much, today we’ll be looking at what you need to know about sleep dentistry.

Level of sedation

Depending on the procedure being undertaken and your level of anxiety, there are different levels of sedation which can be offered ranging from mild sedation up to heavy sedation. In some cases, an anaesthetist will need to be present during the procedure. Sleep dentistry is most commonly used for procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, root canal treatment, multiple fillings or dental implants.

The levels of sedation commonly provided in sleep dentistry include:

Oral sedation – Oral sedation is when oral sedatives are used to calm an anxious patient prior to a procedure. This is a great option for individuals who are afraid of needles (which is a very common concern) as it involves oral medication only. The effects of oral sedation can range from drowsiness to some people falling into a light sleep.

Conscious sedation–Conscious sedation is when a combination of sedatives and anaesthetic are administered prior to a procedure to allow you to be in a state where you’re completely relaxed. You’ll generally be awake during the procedure or if you do fall asleep, you can be easily woken. You probably won’t remember much of the procedure and will feel drowsy afterwards.

Intravenous sedation –Intravenous sedation means you’ll have sedatives administered through an IV drip and it will feel like you’ve been asleep for the whole procedure. You won’t be able to remember the procedure but will remain conscious and will be able to respond to commands. An anaesthetist or dental seditionist will need to conduct the IV sedation

Be open with your dentist

If the thought of the dentist causes you significant anxiety, it’s nothing to be ashamed off. Sometimes people have had a previous traumatic experience at the dentist which increases their fear levels or they may suffer from anxiety. Whatever your reason, you don’t need to continue to avoid the dentist – simply speak to your dentist about your concerns so a plan can be formulated.

At Carillon City Dental, we provide sleep dentistry to help you get through dental procedures if you’re feeling particularly anxious. If you’re anxious about upcoming dental work, speak to one of our dentists and we can let you know what we offer in terms of sleep dentistry options.

For more information about sleep dental procedures, contact Carillon City Dental today on (08) 9322 5340.

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign are a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces and involve a series of clear aligners being used over time to straighten your teeth. This system can be used for a number of issues and the process of getting Invisalign is relatively simple with great long term results.

Today, we take a look at the benefits of opting for Invisalign over traditional braces.

Discreet teeth straightening

A lot of people wish they could correct their teeth but just don’t want to go through the process of having obvious traditional braces. This is particularly an issue for adults. With Invisalign, clear aligners are used which means that no one needs to know that you’re undergoing dental treatment.

You also don’t need to worry about food getting stuck as you’re required to take out your aligners when you eat. However, you do need to be diligent about wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours per day.

Simple process

After your initial appointments, Invisalign is a very simple process. Initially, your dentist will obtain x-rays, pictures, impressions and scans so a treatment plan can be devised. From there, a series of customised aligners will be manufactured and provided to your dental clinic. From there, all you need to do is change the clearly numbered aligners every two weeks or so and have check-ups with your dentist every six to eight weeks to check on progress.

Comfortable fit

Anyone who has experienced traditional braces knows the pain and discomfort that can come of this process and they can often mean pain when eating, mouth ulcers and other teeth and gum discomfort. Invisalign are a much gentler option and although you can expect some level of soreness when you change aligners, they are smooth and comfortable to wear.

Ultimate convenience

The beauty of Invisalign is that this system provides the convenience and flexibility that traditional braces doesn’t. Do you have a special occasion such as a wedding coming up? No problem, you can take out your aligners and enjoy the canapes. Are you worried that your aligners might get in the way of a presentation at work? Just take them out until you’re finished. Although you need to keep your aligners in the majority of the time, they can also be removed when appropriate.

Maintain dental hygiene

One of the difficulties of traditional braces is that it can make brushing and flossing very difficult, with people often having to come up with elaborate ways of threading the floss between the metal braces. With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about your dental hygiene suffering as you can simply remove your aligners to brush and floss. 

Carillon City Dental have extensive experience using Invisalign dental braces on patients of all ages. If you’re considering Invisalign as an option for you, book in for a consultation with one of our highly qualified dentists. For total convenience, our clinic is located in the Perth CBD and is easily accessible buy public transport.

For Invisalign in Perth, contact Carillon City Dental today on (08) 9322 5340.