If you avoid going to the dentist due to dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Fear or a past negative experience is a common reason for people to miss appointments, but this can affect your long term oral health. To help alleviate your dental anxiety, twilight sedation, also known as sleep dentistry, IV sedation or conscious sedation, is a safe, pain free and stress free solution. It allows you to feel comfortable while receiving the dental care you need and deserve.
What is Twilight Sedation?
According to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, twilight sedation is medication administered by a professional through an IV, occasionally combined with local anaesthesia, to place you into a drowsy or relaxed state. Whilst you’ll still be awake and able to follow instructions, you won’t be able to feel any pain, discomfort or stress.
The difference between twilight sedation and general anaesthesia can be confusing. It’s important to understand the key differences before you decide whether twilight sedation is for you.
- In a twilight sedation, you’re technically awake and conscious, but relaxed; under general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious.
- Sleep dentistry has a faster recovery time compared to general anesthesia.
- IV sedation is generally much safer than general anaesthetic, especially for patients with health concerns.
Who is a good candidate for twilight sedation?
Twilight sedation can help reduce your dental anxiety. It could be the right choice for you, if you:
- Experience fear or anxiety about the dentist, hospitals or doctors.
- Have past dental trauma.
- Suffer from a strong gag reflex or tooth sensitivity.
- Struggle to sit still for long periods of time.
Twilight sedation can also be helpful if you require lengthy or invasive treatments, such as a tooth removal, dental implants or crowns. These surgeries can be intimidating, but sleep dentistry is there to guide you into a state of calmness.
What to expect during and after your appointment
During your twilight sedation, you’ll experience tailored quality care with a sedative dose that is customised by our team to match your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.
After your sedation, you may feel like no time has passed and have no memory of the procedure itself. We call this the time warp effect, and it’s completely normal and expected.
After your appointment, it’s important for a friend or family member to drive you home. This is as the sedative can remain in your system for up to 24 hours. You may also receive aftercare tips from your dentist which are important to follow.
Contact Gosford Family Dentists for your next appointment
Dental anxiety is very common. If you’re experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweats, shortness of breath or a dry mouth, it can be a comforting reminder that our dentists are professionals who are there to help you in any possible way.
If you’re looking to book your twilight sedation appointment, contact Gosford Family Dentists on 4325 3221 or enquire online for a smooth, stress free and pain free experience.
