At Dentists @ Canning Vale, we believe anxiety should never stand in the way of good dental health. Our experienced team is here to help patients of all ages feel calm, safe and comfortable, and we offer a range of sedation options to make that possible.
Is Dental Anxiety Holding You Back?
Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety often leads to more complex problems down the track. Whether you've had a difficult experience in the past, have a sensitive gag reflex, or simply find dental appointments overwhelming, sedation dentistry can make a real difference.
Our team, led by Dr Desmond Ng, takes a patient-first approach. We'll take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options clearly, and work with you to choose the most appropriate sedation method before any treatment begins.
Your Sedation Options at Dentists @ Canning Vale
We offer several sedation approaches. During your consultation, our team will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option for your situation.
IV Sedation (Intravenous)
For moderate to severe dental anxiety or complex procedures. Administered through a small cannula, IV sedation produces a deep state of relaxation while keeping you conscious. Most patients remember little to nothing about their treatment.
Best for: significant anxiety, longer procedures, strong gag reflexLocal Anaesthetic (LA)
The most widely used form of pain control in dentistry. Numbs the treatment area so procedures can be completed comfortably while you remain fully awake. Suitable for most routine treatments including fillings, crowns and extractions.
Best for: routine procedures, mild or no anxietyOral Sedation
A prescribed medication taken before your appointment to ease anxiety and promote calm. You remain awake and able to communicate during treatment, but feel significantly less anxious. Suitable for mild to moderate dental anxiety.
Best for: mild to moderate anxiety, nervous patientsGeneral Anaesthesia (GA)
Reserved for more complex cases where patients need to be completely asleep during treatment. GA requires specialist facilities and medical support, patients who require this level of care will be referred to an appropriate specialist provider.
Best for: complex cases, specialist-referred patientsIV Sedation, What to Expect
IV sedation is administered through a small cannula placed in a vein, typically in the back of the hand or inner arm. It takes effect quickly and produces a deep state of relaxation while you remain conscious and able to respond throughout treatment.
IV sedation may be suitable for patients who:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or phobia
- Require multiple or complex procedures in a single appointment
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Have previously struggled to get sufficiently numb with local anaesthetic alone
- Want to minimise awareness and memory of their dental treatment
Children's Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthetic
In some situations, children may require dental treatment under general anaesthesia, particularly where extensive work is needed or where a child is too young or too anxious to cooperate while awake.
If your child requires GA for dental treatment, we will arrange a referral to a qualified specialist Paediatric Dentist who can provide care in a suitable hospital or day surgery environment. The safety and comfort of every child in our care is always our top priority.
What Happens at Your Sedation Consultation?
During your initial consultation at Dentists @ Canning Vale, Dr Desmond Ng and our team will:
- Discuss your dental concerns and anxiety triggers in a relaxed, pressure-free environment
- Review your medical history and current medications
- Explain each sedation option in plain language so you can make an informed decision
- Recommend the most suitable approach for your situation
- Provide a clear treatment plan and cost estimate before anything proceeds
There's no pressure and no rush, your comfort and confidence come first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Will I be asleep under IV sedation?
No. IV sedation produces a deeply relaxed state but you remain conscious throughout. You may feel drowsy and have limited memory of the procedure, but you will not be put to sleep. General anaesthesia is a separate option for patients who need to be completely unconscious during treatment.
How long does IV sedation last?
The sedative effects typically wear off within a few hours, but you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You must not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours following IV sedation.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
When administered by appropriately trained dental professionals and with thorough patient assessment, sedation dentistry has a strong safety record. Our team will conduct a detailed assessment before recommending any sedation option. Individual risks and benefits will be discussed with you fully before treatment proceeds.
Does private health insurance cover sedation?
Some private health insurance policies may provide a benefit for sedation dentistry, depending on your level of cover, provider and individual policy terms. We recommend contacting your fund directly before your appointment. Our team can provide an itemised treatment plan to assist with any enquiries.
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
You will receive specific pre-treatment instructions at your consultation. As a general guide, you will need to fast for a set period before your appointment and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for several hours afterwards. Do not adjust your regular medications without first discussing this with our team.
Ready to Book Your Sedation Consultation?
If dental anxiety has been holding you back from getting the care you need, we're here to help. Our friendly team will take the time to understand your concerns and find the right approach for you.
Book an Appointment Call 08 9256 2588Important Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, we will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives, and you are welcome to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
A consultation with one of our dentists is required to assess whether this treatment is appropriate for you. Book a consultation or call 08 9256 2588.
References & Further Reading
This page is based on current clinical literature and guidelines from recognised Australian and international dental and health authorities.
- Australian Dental Association. ada.org.au
- Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). dentalboard.gov.au
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (ASID). asid.com.au
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medical Devices. tga.gov.au
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. anzaoms.org
- Dental Board of Australia - Conscious Sedation Guidelines. dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.aspx
Content reviewed by Dr Desmond Ng, BDSc (Hons) University of Queensland | Principal Dentist, Dentists at Canning Vale. Last reviewed July 2026.