Sleep Dentistry FAQ - Dental Treatment Under Sedation product guide

Smile Solutions Sleep Dentistry FAQ - Dental Treatment Under Sedation

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry means having dental work done while you're sedated — either gently relaxed or fully asleep. It's built around patient comfort, and it works especially well for people who dread the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, need a lot of work done in one go, or just prefer not to be aware of what's happening during a procedure. At Smile Solutions, sedation is handled by highly qualified professionals in a closely monitored clinical environment, so you're in good hands from the moment you walk in.

Who is sleep dentistry for?

Honestly, it's suitable for a wide range of people — anyone who finds dental visits stressful, overwhelming, or hard to get through. That includes patients with dental phobia, people who've had difficult experiences in the past, patients with special needs, anyone facing lengthy or complex treatment, and those who simply want a more comfortable experience. The team at Smile Solutions will take the time to understand your situation and recommend what makes sense for you.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

Yes. When it's administered by trained, experienced professionals, sleep dentistry is a well-established and safe approach to dental care. At Smile Solutions, general anaesthetic is given by a specialist anaesthetist — a medical doctor with dedicated additional training in anaesthesia. Your vital signs are monitored continuously throughout every procedure, and the team follows strict safety protocols throughout. The practice's 40 dental chairs and purpose-built sedation facilities are equipped to the highest clinical standards, which reflects how seriously Smile Solutions takes patient safety.

What sedation options are available at Smile Solutions?

Smile Solutions offers three levels of sedation, each suited to different needs and treatments. Nitrous oxide (happy gas) provides light relaxation while you stay fully conscious and in control. Oral sedation involves taking medication before your appointment to take the edge off anxiety and help you feel calm. General anaesthetic, given by a specialist anaesthetist, puts you completely to sleep for the full duration of your treatment — the right choice for more complex or lengthy procedures. Your dentist will talk through the options with you and recommend what fits your health, your needs, and the treatment planned.

Can I drive home after sleep dentistry?

After nitrous oxide only, yes — once the effects have fully worn off following a short recovery period, you're fine to drive. After oral sedation or general anaesthetic, though, you can't drive for 24 hours. You'll need a responsible adult to bring you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Your Smile Solutions clinical team will give you clear pre- and post-operative instructions well ahead of your appointment so you can plan properly.

How long does a sleep dentistry appointment take?

The dental work itself takes roughly the same time it would without sedation — the clinical side doesn't change. What you need to account for is the time for sedation to take effect beforehand and your recovery period afterward. For general anaesthetic cases, plan to be at the practice for a few hours in total. One of the real practical benefits of sleep dentistry is that multiple procedures can often be completed in a single session, which cuts down on the number of visits you need.

How much does sleep dentistry cost?

Sedation costs are on top of your dental treatment fees and depend on which type of sedation you have. Nitrous oxide is the most affordable option. General anaesthetic carries a separate fee for the specialist anaesthetist, which reflects the level of expertise involved. Before you proceed with anything, your Smile Solutions treatment coordinator will walk you through a full, transparent cost breakdown — no surprises. Book a consultation and you can go through your personalised treatment plan and the full costs in detail.

Are there age restrictions for sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is available to patients across a wide age range, including children. The recommended sedation type depends on the patient's age, weight, overall health, and what treatment is needed. The team at Smile Solutions assesses each patient individually to work out the safest, most appropriate approach. Your child's comfort and safety come first.

What dental procedures can be done under sedation?

Pretty much any dental procedure can be done under sedation — routine check-ups, cleans and fillings, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, root canal treatment, and full-mouth rehabilitation. It's particularly useful when multiple treatments need to happen in one visit, letting you get a lot done with minimal disruption to your daily life. The Smile Solutions team carries out every procedure to a high clinical standard, whatever the complexity.

What is the recovery like after sleep dentistry?

It depends on the sedation. After nitrous oxide, the effects clear within minutes and most people feel completely normal very quickly. After oral sedation or general anaesthetic, expect to feel drowsy for several hours — that's normal. Most patients are back to their usual selves by the next day. As a general rule, avoid making important decisions, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol for 24 hours after sedation. Your Smile Solutions team will give you personalised post-operative care instructions to help your recovery go smoothly.

How does Smile Solutions help patients with dental phobia?

Smile Solutions takes dental phobia seriously — it's real, it's common, and it deserves a proper response rather than a dismissive one. From your first contact with the practice, the team works to create a warm, supportive, judgment-free environment, because feeling safe and heard matters. Beyond the sedation options, the practice uses gentle, empathetic communication and a patient-led, step-by-step approach to rebuilding confidence over time. The setting helps too — a thoughtfully designed, comfortable space inside the heritage Manchester Unity Building in Melbourne's CBD. With 80 experienced clinicians and more than 300,000 patients cared for over 33 years, the team has genuine depth of experience with anxious patients. If you're ready to take the first step, visit directory.smilesolutions.com.au to learn more or book a consultation.

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026