Let’s face it, not everyone looks forward to a trip to the dentist. But for some people, the nerves go far beyond a little discomfort. If your palms sweat at the thought of an appointment, you delay treatments you know you need or you avoid the dentist altogether, you’re not alone.
Have you ever heard of sedation dentistry? It’s a safe, effective way to take the fear, stress and overwhelm out of your dental care.
Studio Smiles offers sedation dentistry in Highett. Learn more about what it is and what’s involved below.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel relaxed, calm and comfortable during your dental treatment. Depending on the level of sedation used, you might stay fully awake, feel drowsy or even sleep lightly through the procedure.
The goal? To make sure you get the care you need, without fear, panic, or discomfort.
Why Do People Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Everyone has a different reason. Some patients have had a traumatic experience in the past. Others find the sights, sounds or even smells of the clinic too overwhelming. And some just want a stress-free way to manage longer or more complex procedures.
Sedation dentistry is ideal if you:
- Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Are sensitive to pain or needles
- Have had bad dental experiences in the past
- Need a lot of work done in a single visit
- Struggle to sit still for long periods
- Avoid the dentist altogether due to fear or shame
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to feeling comfortable at the dentist. That’s why Studio Smiles in Highett offers a range of sedation options to suit your needs:
1. Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas)
- Inhaled through a small mask during treatment
- Helps you feel relaxed, calm, and slightly euphoric
- Wears off relatively quickly
2. Oral Sedation
- Medication taken before your appointment
- Helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel sleepy
- You remain conscious but may feel very relaxed or drowsy
3. IV Sedation
- Delivered through a small cannula in your arm or hand
- A deeper form of sedation – you may drift in and out of sleep
- Most patients remember very little, if anything, from the procedure
4. General Anaesthesia
- Reserved for hospital-based treatments or very complex cases
- You’re completely unconscious during the procedure
- Used rarely and only in specific circumstances
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes – when provided by trained professionals in a safe environment, sedation dentistry is very safe. At Studio Smiles, we carefully review your medical history and health conditions before recommending any type of sedation.
We’ll explain what to expect, answer any questions, and monitor you closely throughout your treatment to make sure you’re always comfortable and cared for.
What Does Sedation Dentistry Feel Like?
It depends on the type used, but most patients describe the experience as feeling ‘floaty’, calm, or sleepy. Many don’t remember the procedure at all. What’s most important is that you feel safe, supported, and free from fear during your visit.
What to Expect When You Choose Sedation Dentistry
If you’ve been putting off dental care for years, or even decades, the idea of going to the dentist again might feel overwhelming. That’s why we make the experience as easy, gentle, and personalised as possible.
Here’s how it usually works:
- Step 1: A relaxed consultation
We start with a friendly chat to understand your concerns and walk you through your options. - Step 2: Personalised sedation plan
We’ll help you choose the sedation method that suits your comfort level and the treatment required. - Step 3: Treatment day
Our experienced team will guide you through every step, making sure you feel calm and cared for from the moment you walk in. - Step 4: Recovery
Depending on the type of sedation, you may need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours. We’ll check in with you afterwards to make sure you’re feeling ok and relaxed.
You Don’t Have to “Tough It Out” Anymore
There’s no need to suffer through dental fear in silence. Sedation dentistry exists to help patients like you – people who want to care for their smile but need a little extra support to feel safe doing it.
Whether it’s been six months or sixteen years since your last visit, we’re here to welcome you back with compassion and care.
Ready to Feel Calm and Confident at the Dentist?
We know taking the first step can feel scary – but you don’t have to do it alone.
Give us a call (03) 9007 2672 – we’ll answer your questions and talk things through
Book online – no pressure, just support when you’re ready
At Studio Smiles, we take dental visits seriously. We’re here to help you move past any anxiety or fear with genuine care, kindness and a calm experience from start to finish.
Studio Smiles serves the community of Highett, Hampton East, Pennydale, Moorabbin, Hampton and more. We’re your trusted dentist in Melbourne and look forward to welcoming you.
