Sleep Dentistry
Anxiety keeps a lot of people away from the dental care they need. Does sitting in the chair feel like too much? Maybe the thought of multiple visits has put you off for years? Sleep dentistry in Melbourne gives you another option. At ieDental in Ivanhoe, we focus on treatment under general anaesthetic so you’re asleep for the entire procedure. A specialist anaesthetist manages the anaesthetic while our dentist and oral health therapist carry out the work together. Extensive treatment is often completed in a single visit while you’re under – typically with no memory of the procedure.
Professional Affiliations & Clinical Standards
A comfortable dental visit is often the one you barely remember
Sleep Dentistry & Sedation Dentistry in Melbourne
Many people look for ways to make dental treatment easier. Sleep and sedation are two approaches that reduce stress. However, they work differently and suit different patients. ieDental provides an option where you are unconscious under general anaesthesia. If you’ve been delaying the dentist due to fear, or you have anxious kids, general anaesthetic is a solution to consider.
UNDERSTANDING SEDATION
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
This means you go to sleep before treatment starts and wake up when it is finished. A specialist anaesthetist looks after your breathing and comfort to keep the procedure safe. Our dental team concentrates only on the teeth and gums while you’re out. It suits individuals who want extensive treatment completed in one session, typically without being aware of what is happening.
Sleep Dentistry vs Sedation Dentistry: What’s the Difference?
Sedation uses medicine to help patients feel comfortable. It usually keeps you relaxed but awake or lightly drowsy. You might still hear sounds or feel some pressure. The sleep treatment we offer makes you fully unconscious – typically with no awareness. Because we use a general anaesthetic before dental work, you are under the care of a specialist anaesthetist and usually don’t feel or remember a thing. It’s useful when anxiety is high or when multiple procedures need to be completed in one visit.
Your dentist is here to help
Who Is Sleep Dentistry For?
This option works well for adults and children in Ivanhoe who find regular dental visits difficult.
Common reasons include:
- Strong fear or past difficult experiences
- Long or surgical treatments that would otherwise need several visits
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Medical or behavioural needs that make receiving treatment while awake hard
- Parents seeking a calmer experience for anxious children when gentler methods are not enough
Our dentist Dr Christopher Khoo and oral health therapist Radhika Arasu build the plan in unison. Radhika, known locally as the “balloon dentist” for her work with children, brings that same calm approach when families choose sleep dentistry. Dr Khoo’s background in implant and surgical work means that even complex cases can often be completed while you are unconscious.
Full Sleep Dentistry in Melbourne
General Anaesthetic
Under general anaesthetic, your body lies still for the full duration of treatment. You’re completely asleep. That creates stable conditions that allow for precise and controlled surgical work, particularly in areas where small movements or tension can complicate access.
Our specialist medical anaesthetist takes sole responsibility for maintaining the anaesthetic and watching vital signs. This makes it possible for our dental team to focus on only the clinical task. Since Dr Khoo and Radhika plan and deliver care as a pair, treatment stays coordinated and personalised. A lot of patients use this route to catch up on years of delayed care often in a single session.
When the procedure ends, you wake in a supervised recovery area typically with no memory of what occurred. You are discharged with an escort once you are alert and stable. ieDental takes care of you from start to finish.
If you would like to explore whether general anaesthesia is appropriate for your treatment in Ivanhoe East, book a consultation. Simply contact us and we’ll schedule an appointment so we can assess your circumstances.
How They Compare
Other Sedation Options
Some clinics offer sedation methods for milder anxiety. There are three alternatives.
Happy Gas (Nitrous Oxide Sedation)
A mask delivers a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide. You stay awake and aware but feel more relaxed. Effects wear off quickly, so many people can drive themselves home. Nitrous oxide is suitable for mild anxiety and shorter appointments.
Oral Sedation
With this type of sedation, you take a tablet or liquid before the appointment. It creates a calmer state, but you stay conscious and can still respond to instructions. This method suits moderate anxiety. Someone must drive you home because effects can last hours.
IV Sedation (Twilight Sedation)
Medication goes directly into a vein with IV sedation. You remain in a deeply relaxed, drowsy, semi-conscious state. A trained provider monitors you during the procedure. Recovery takes longer using this method, and you need an escort.
If sedation dentistry in Melbourne sounds more suitable, your regular dentist can advise. But when deeper control and no memory are the priority, general anaesthesia is often the most appropriate option.
SERVICES UNDER ANAESTHESIA
Treatments We Perform Under Sleep Dentistry
Being fully asleep often allows us to complete dental procedures that would feel too long or stressful in a single session. These include:
- Dental implant placement
- Surgical wisdom tooth removal
- Multiple restorations
- Full-mouth work for patients who have avoided care for a long time
Every plan is built around your specific situation after a thorough consultation.
PATIENT CARE PROCESS
What to Expect at Your Sleep Dentistry Appointment
The process at ieDental is straightforward and designed to minimise uncertainty.
Step 1: Consultation
You meet Dr Khoo, our sleep dentist, and Radhika at our clinic in Ivanhoe East. We talk about your concerns, health background and goals. Then we make a clear plan to treat your problem.
Step 2: Preparation
You follow instructions we write down for you. They normally include not having food and drink for a short time. You’ll need someone you trust to drive you home afterwards.
Step 3: Treatment
You arrive at our facility for the procedure. The anaesthetist reviews everything. Once you are comfortable and asleep, the dental team completes the planned work while you are monitored the whole time.
Step 4: Recovery
You wake up in a quiet recovery area. Staff check your comfort. When ready, your escort takes you home. Normally people feel drowsy afterwards and want to rest. Follow the aftercare instructions we give you.
Aftercare
Review appointments and oral health recall appointments are carried out at our dental clinic in Ivanhoe East.
Our Services
Our Professional Team
HICAPS & Flexible Payment Solutions*
At ieDental, we accept 100% of Australian private health insurers through HICAPS for instant rebates. For treatment balances, we offer a variety of manageable payment plans to suit your budget.
*Terms and conditions apply. Please ensure you bring your physical or digital health fund card to your appointment.
Why choose our Dental Clinic
Comfort-focused care
Modern equipment
Transparent prices
How Much Does Sleep Dentistry Cost in Melbourne?
Cost depends on three main parts. While sedation dentistry uses different pricing, general anaesthesia involves:
- Dental treatment cost (implants, extractions, fillings, etc.)
- The anaesthetist’s fee for providing and monitoring the general anaesthetic
- Facility or theatre time fee for the appointment
Medicare rebates may apply to the anaesthetist’s fee in some cases, depending on your eligibility and the procedures involved. Private health insurance can also contribute through hospital or extras cover – check your policy or ask us during the consultation.
ieDental keeps pricing transparent for patients. A detailed quote comes after the consultation as soon as we know exactly what treatment you need. Flexible payment options are available through our existing plans.
Advanced Technology for Your Comfort
We partner with global leaders in dental innovation to provide precise diagnostics and gentle treatment experiences.
