ADVANCED CARE
Sleep Dentistry Canning Vale | Dentists @ Canning Vale
Sedation Options We Offer
We offer different levels of sedation depending on the severity of your anxiety, the complexity of treatment, and your medical history. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option at your consultation.
Who Benefits from Sleep Dentistry
Severe Dental Anxiety
Patients who've avoided the dentist for years due to fear, or experience panic at the thought of treatment.
Sensitive Gag Reflex
A strong gag reflex can make even simple procedures uncomfortable and difficult to complete without sedation.
Low Pain Tolerance
Some patients feel anxiety disproportionate to local anaesthetic, sedation allows treatment to proceed comfortably.
Complex or Lengthy Treatment
Multiple extractions, implants or extensive work completed in fewer, longer appointments rather than many short ones.
Past Traumatic Experiences
Patients who've had painful or frightening dental experiences that have made them avoid care since.
Special Needs Patients
Patients with cognitive or sensory conditions who find it difficult to cooperate during dental procedures.
Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
No Memory of Treatment
With moderate to deep sedation, most patients remember nothing, no sounds, sensations or discomfort.
More Accomplished Per Visit
In a relaxed state, your dentist can often complete more treatment safely in a single appointment.
Break the Anxiety Cycle
Positive treatment experiences under sedation can help desensitise patients and reduce anxiety over time.
Your Health Back on Track
Patients who've avoided dentistry for years finally get the care they need, before problems become severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sleep dentistry safe?
Yes, when administered by properly trained professionals. Your vital signs are monitored throughout and our team is trained in sedation protocols. We take a thorough medical history before recommending any sedation option.
Will I be unconscious during treatment?
Not fully. "Sleep dentistry" is a popular term but most sedation leaves you technically conscious, you just won't be aware of or remember the treatment. General anaesthesia (full unconsciousness) is not something we offer at the practice.
How do I prepare for a sedation appointment?
For oral and IV sedation, you'll need to fast (no food or drink) for a period beforehand, and arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Specific instructions will be provided at your consultation.
Can I request sedation even for routine treatment?
Yes. If anxiety is preventing you from getting regular care, sedation is a completely valid choice for even simple procedures. We never judge, our goal is to get you the care you need comfortably.
How much does sleep dentistry cost?
Sedation is an additional cost on top of your dental treatment. The cost varies by sedation type. We'll provide a full quote at your consultation, and most extras insurance provides partial rebates for certain sedation types.
Ready to Make Dentistry Comfortable?
Book a consultation to discuss which sedation option is right for you.
Book a ConsultationImportant Information
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Treatment suitability, results and costs vary between patients.
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.