If a visit to the dentist makes you nervous or triggers fear, you’re not alone. Research shows that about one in six Australian adults and one in ten children experience dental anxiety.
Fear of dental treatments or going to the dentist can stem from several sources including:
- anticipation of pain
- embarrassment about oral health, or
- a lack of control during procedures.
To help our patients manage this, our team at Gosford Family Dentists offers twilight anaesthesia, also known as twilight sedation.
What is twilight anaesthesia?
Twilight anaesthesia involves the intravenous administration of sedatives that place you in a relaxed, dream-like state during your dental procedure. Unlike general anaesthesia, twilight anaesthesia keeps you semi-conscious, allowing you to respond to your dentist and follow instructions. This balanced state ensures that you remain aware enough to communicate while feeling deeply relaxed and stress-free.
At Gosford Family Dentist our Principal Sedationist, Dr. Robert Turnbull, is known for providing professional, quality care. With extensive experience administering twilight anaesthesia on the Central Coast, Dr. Turnbull carefully monitors your level of consciousness, ensuring maximum safety and comfort throughout your procedure.
When is twilight anaesthesia used?
Twilight anaesthesia can be beneficial for many dental procedures, from your routine check-ups to more involved treatments such as root canal therapy, teeth extractions, or dental implants.
Twilight anaesthesia can help break the cycle of avoidance, enabling you, your children or loved ones, to receive care while feeling calm and comfortable.
Is twilight anaesthesia safe?
Yes, twilight anaesthesia is safe when administered by a trained professional. Twilight anaesthesia is not a replacement for local anesthesia, which numbs the specific area being treated. Instead, it works alongside it to ensure a pain-free and stress-free experience.
The side effects of twilight anaesthesia are minimal. Most patients report feeling drowsy or slightly groggy afterwards, which typically wears off within a few hours. As with any medical procedure, discussing your full medical history with your dentist beforehand is essential to minimise any risks and alleviate concerns.
Ask us about twilight anaesthesia
If fear of the dentist is impacting your ability to maintain good oral health, twilight anaesthesia could be the solution you or your family need.
Contact Gosford Family Dentist to book an appointment and take the first step toward a stress-free dentist experience.
