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Dentistry

Where your smile is our priority. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is committed to providing exceptional care and personalized treatment plans. With state-of-the-art technology and a warm, friendly atmosphere, we offer a comprehensive range of dental services to ensure your oral health and confidence shine brightly.

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What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep Dentistry describes a procedure where dental treatment is performed while the patient is sedated. It is called sleep dentistry because the sedative used causes patients to sleep throughout the procedure.


Sleep dentistry is the most comfortable and relaxing way to have dental treatment done. Patients sleep (are sedated) throughout the procedure and so cannot feel the treatment taking place. There is also an amnesia effect with the sedation so there is usually no memory of having the procedure done afterwards. It is like getting on a long-haul flight, falling asleep and waking up refreshed at your destination – with no memory of the flight in-between.

How common is Sleep Dentistry?

Dental treatment carried out under IV sedation is becoming very popular at Dental Nook. We are now treating several patients per week using this technique.

How does Sleep Dentistry Work?

When a patient chooses sleep dentistry for their dental procedure, we usually schedule as much treatment as possible in a single appointment.

Before treatment begins, we insert an IV drip and administer a sedative which causes the patient to fully relax and fall asleep.

While sedated, the patient feels no pain and is not aware of the dental treatment taking place.

The sedative used is called Freesofol (more info here) and is safely used all over the world in hospitals and dental clinics.

What is the procedure for Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry involves the administration of a general anaesthesia to place patients in a deep sleep-like state. This allows for completion of dental treatment without the patient feeling anxious or concerned during the procedure.


Our dedicated general anaesthesia team consists of a Specialist Anaesthetist, a registered nurse, an experienced dentist and a senior dental assistant. All have considerable experience in caring for patients with dental phobia, ensuring dental treatment is carried out efficiently and safely.

General anaesthesia is provided by a board-registered Specialist Anaesthetist who is responsible for providing the appropriate medications and monitoring during the procedure, in addition to bringing the patient back to a wakeful state at the end of treatment. General anaesthesia involves close monitoring of vital signs and protection of the airway by the Specialist Anaesthetist and registered nurse, meaning that patients receive optimal care throughout the procedure.

Who might benefit from sleep dentistry?

  • Experiences high anxiety about dental treatment.
  • Has suffered traumatic dental experiences in the past.
  • Requires multiple restorations/extractions or treatment in different sites across the mouth.
  • Has difficulty achieving complete numbness.
  • Has a severe or strong gag reflex.
  • Is afraid of needles in the mouth.
  • Dislikes the noises or smells associated with dental care.
  • Has difficulty keeping their mouth open for extended periods of time, has limited mouth opening or jaw problems.

Sleep dentistry is beneficial for these patients and situations:

  • Adults or children with severe dental phobia, fear, or anxiety
  • For extensive and complex procedures like oral surgery, dental implants, root canal treatment, or full mouth rehabilitation
  • Adults or children with medical, physical, or emotional special needs
  • For patients requiring multiple procedures they want completed during one appointment

What are the advantages of sleep dentistry?

Reduce Dentist-Related Fear


Ease Dental Anxiety


Help You Relax Physically


Lower Your Pain Perception


Make Dental Procedures Faster


Provide a Safe Sedation Option


Is Sleep Dentistry Expensive?

The cost of treatment with IV sedation or GA varies significantly based on each patient's needs. Dr Asad's goal is to make high-quality and comfortable dentistry accessible to all patients, so we accept all health funds, offer HICAPS on-site claiming, assist with early super access, and provide payment plans to help our patients easily fit their treatment expenses into their budgets.


Dr Asad will discuss all your treatment options, timelines for completing your care, and the investment and payment options during an initial consultation.


We would love to help you reach your smile goals and achieve optimal dental health in the most comfortable manner. The first step is booking your evaluation with Dr Asad online or by talking with our team.


Dr Asad and his team proudly serve the greater area of Brisbane and the surrounding communities of Logan, Gold Coast, Springwood, Bayside and Ipswich.


Sleep Dentistry at Dental Nook

Our dedicated general anaesthesia team consists of a Specialist Anaesthetist, a registered nurse, an experienced dentist and a senior dental assistant. All have considerable experience in caring for patients with dental phobia, ensuring dental treatment is carried out efficiently and safely.


You can sit back and relax in our beautiful, state of the art sleep dentistry facility in South Melbourne. Our sleek architectural designed practice boasts ample natural light, scented candles and relaxing background music, as well as a dedicated recovery room fitted with comfortable furniture and calm lighting.

Dr.Nikita verma

Dr.Nikita verma

Dr. Nikita, originally from India, graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Gujarat University in 2007. In 2009, she relocated to New Zealand, where she gained extensive experience working in and owning multiple dental clinics across Auckland.

After more than a decade of professional success, she moved to Brisbane in 2022, where she has since established her permanent home, continuing her passion for providing quality dental care.

Comparing Sedation Options

Sedation Type Best For Consciousness Level Recovery Time Setting
Happy Gas Mild anxiety, simple procedures Awake but relaxed 5-10 minutes Dental chair
Oral Sedation Moderate anxiety Awake but drowsy Several hours Dental chair
IV Sedation High anxiety, complex procedures Semi-conscious 24 hours Dental chair
General Anaesthesia Severe phobia, extensive work Unconscious 1-2 days Hospital
Sleep Dentistry

Sedation Types

Happy Gas Sedation

Happy Gas Sedation

Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation

Conscious Sedation

Conscious Sedation

General Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

Sleep Dentistry

Treatment Types

Sleep Dentistry for Children

Sleep Dentistry for Children

Gentle and comfortable dental care for children who may feel anxious about dental visits.

Sleep Dentistry for Anxious Patients

Sleep Dentistry for Anxious Patients

Specialized care for patients who experience dental anxiety or phobia.

Sleep Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Sleep Dentistry for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Comfortable and stress-free wisdom tooth extraction under sedation.

Sleep Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs

Sleep Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs

Tailored dental care for patients requiring special attention and care.

Sleep Dentistry for Cosmetic Veneers

Sleep Dentistry for Cosmetic Veneers

Transform your smile with comfortable veneer placement under sedation.

Sleep Dentistry for Dental Crowns & Bridges

Sleep Dentistry for Dental Crowns & Bridges

Restore your smile with comfortable crown and bridge procedures.

Sleep Dentistry for Dental Implants & All-on-4®

Sleep Dentistry for Dental Implants & All-on-4®

Advanced implant solutions with comfortable sedation options.

Sleep Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment

Sleep Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment

Pain-free root canal procedures under sedation.

Safe Amalgam Mercury Removal

Safe Amalgam Mercury Removal

Secure and comfortable removal of mercury fillings with advanced safety protocols.

Sleep Dentistry for Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Sleep Dentistry for Tooth-Coloured Fillings

Natural-looking fillings with comfortable sedation options.

Payment Options

We accept a wide range of payment options to make your dental care more convenient and accessible.

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what patients think about us

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They have the best customer service. The project is also incredibly flexible and easy to use and explore. Glad to have met this team!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments
  • 1 single appointment
  • How long it takes
  • Oral sedation can take up to 1 hour to begin working
  • Inhalation sedation usually takes a few minutes to start working
  • IV sedation usually takes a few minutes or less to start working
  • You may be asked about
  • Your dental history and medical history
  • Medications you are currently taking
  • Before your appointment
  • You will be given specific instructions to follow depending upon the type of sedation. It is important that these instructions are followed for your safety.
  • After your appointment
  • Inhalation sedation will usually wear off quickly with minimal after effects
  • With oral or IV sedation you will likely feel a bit drowsy after your appointment, but you will usually have little memory of the treatment
  • For oral or IV sedation you will need to have someone take you home after the appointment
  • You will not be able to drive or operate machinery for at least 12 hours after oral or IV sedation
  • Quick tip
  • Some dentists offer sedation for nervous or anxious patients. If you are feeling nervous about having dental treatment, speak to your dentist about the sedation options available to you.
  • How much does it cost to be sedated at the dentist?
  • The cost will vary depending on the type of sedation used. Some sedation methods aren't available at all practices so you will need to check with your dentist or oral surgeon before the procedure.
  • At the consultation they will recommend the best option for you and also give you an indication of the cost.
  • Do you feel pain with sedation?
  • You can relax! There's no need to worry about feeling pain as local anaesthetic is used in conjunction with the sedation.
  • The reason for being sedated during dental treatment is to help you relax and reduce anxiety.
  • With most types of sedation, you will have little memory of the procedure.
  • Is dental sedation safe?
  • Sedation is safe when given by experienced dentists and complications are rare. However, as with any medical procedure patients with some existing medical conditions add a risk of complications. Your dentist will carefully review your medical history with you to make sure it is safe for you to be sedated. You should also talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have before being sedated.
  • What are the side effects of sedation?
  • It is not uncommon to experience some side effects with sedation until it wears off completely. With most sedation types you will usually feel relaxed but then drowsy afterward. You will often have little memory of the procedure, you may feel sluggish or be less coordinated and have slower reflexes. People sometimes have low blood pressure after being sedated and occasionally feel a bit sick or have a slight headache. These side effects usually wear off in a few hours.
  • You should rest after a sedation appointment and not return to work, drive a vehicle, or operate machinery. If you have concerns with any of the side effects of sedation we suggest talking to your dentist.
  • How does sedation work?
  • Sedation involves using a sedative agent to place you into a calm, restful state. You will remain conscious while sedated and able to respond to voice prompts. Many patients have no recollection of their treatment once the sedative agent has worn off completely.
  • Before your operation
  • You must ensure that you will be accompanied by a responsible adult who will escort you home after your operation and arrange for you to be looked after for the following 24 hours. Please do not bring any children with you.
  • Give us details of any changes to your medical history or daily medications.
  • Continue to take all routine medications (including inhalers) at the usual times, unless you have been specifically advised otherwise.
  • If you feel unwell before your appointment, report this to us, because illness may affect your treatment.
  • Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing, with sleeves which can easily be pulled up beyond your elbows.
  • Clean your teeth thoroughly before coming in for your operation.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for three hours before your appointment time. Before this, you should only have a light, non-fatty meal.
  • Do not drink alcohol on the day of your operation.
  • After your operation
  • Your escort should take you home by private car, rather than public transport.
  • Rest for a few hours at home and take the rest of the day quietly.
  • Eat light and easily digestible food for the rest of the day.
  • Take any medicines which have been prescribed for you.
  • Do not drive any vehicle, operate any machinery or use any domestic appliance for 24 hours after receiving intravenous sedation.
  • Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Do not return to work, make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.
  • How can I find out more?

    We are running a short series about this in our blog. If you want to receive updates on the new articles you can subscribe there. Or give us a call on 09 837 2598 to discusss your options or contact us here.

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