Sleep Dentistry in Balwyn, Melbourne
Experience stress-free dental care with our gentle sleep dentistry solutions.
Providing expert dental care
Dental technology
Plans & private health rebates available
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What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, uses safe, monitored medications to help you relax during dental work. We offer different levels of sedation – from minimal sedation to deeper sedation – depending on what works best for you and your needs.
Now you can receive complete professional sleep dentistry care in our comfortable and relaxing Balwyn dental clinic. Our sleep dentistry services mean that anxious patients can often avoid the need for general anaesthetic while still achieving complete comfort and relaxation.
You’ll typically stay conscious and can respond to us throughout the procedure, but you’ll feel much more relaxed and comfortable. Many patients tell us they have little memory of their dental work afterward, which can be a real relief if you experience anxiety about dental visits.
Who Can Benefit from Sleep Dentistry in Melbourne?
Sleep dentistry is an excellent solution if you experience:
- Anxious patients or those with dental phobia
- Patients who have a phobia of needles or dental instruments
- Patients undergoing complex dental treatments like dental implants or wisdom tooth extraction
- Individuals who experience difficulties with local anaesthetics
- Patients who want to get multiple procedures done quickly
- Those who don’t like the noises or smells associated with dental care
- Patients with sensitive teeth during regular cleaning
- Anyone who has had past negative dental experiences
- Patients who have a low threshold for pain and those with a pronounced gag reflex
Important considerations: A few situations where IV sedation may not be suitable include pregnancy, certain medical conditions, or specific medications. During your consultation, our experienced team will review your medical history to ensure sedation dentistry is safe and appropriate for you. If sedation dentistry isn’t suitable, we’ll suggest alternatives to help you undergo dental treatments you need.
Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?
Patient safety is our highest priority at Dr Steven Rostkier’s practice. Sleep dentistry, when administered by a qualified and experienced dentist like Dr Rostkier, is extremely safe. We follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure your wellbeing throughout the process.
Before any sedation procedure, we conduct a thorough medical history review and assessment to determine the most appropriate sedation option for you. During treatment, we continuously monitor your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Types of Sleep Dentistry We Offer
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a mild form of inhaled sedation that helps you feel relaxed and at ease. The gas is administered through a small mask placed over your nose, and its effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. This option is perfect for patients with mild dental anxiety or those undergoing routine procedures.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your treatment to help you feel drowsy and relaxed. This method is ideal for patients with moderate anxiety or those undergoing longer complex procedures. You'll remain conscious but deeply relaxed throughout your treatment. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home as you won't be able to drive for the rest of the day.
IV Sedation (Twilight Sedation)
Intravenous sedation, also known as twilight sedation or conscious sedation, provides a deeper level of relaxation through medication administered directly into your bloodstream. You'll experience a deeply relaxed, dream-like state and may sleep lightly (though you can be easily awoken if needed), with little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
This option is perfect for anxious patients with severe dental phobia or those requiring extensive complex treatments. Dr Rostkier carefully monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
For twilight sedation, we work with qualified anaesthetists to ensure the highest level of safety and care.
Sleep Dentistry vs General Anaesthetic Dentistry
Sleep dentistry (twilight sedation) is different from general anaesthetic. Under general anaesthesia, you are in a completely unconscious state and non-responsive, requiring more intensive monitoring and recovery time. With twilight sedation, you remain in a semi conscious state where you can hear and respond to your dentist, but it feels like falling into a light sleep.
Twilight sedation is generally safer than general anaesthetic, with fewer risks and a quicker recovery. It's also more affordable and can be performed in our comfortable dental clinic rather than requiring a hospital setting. Most patients find that twilight sedation provides the perfect balance of comfort and safety for their procedures.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Choosing sedation dentistry at our Melbourne clinic offers numerous advantages:
Reduced Anxiety and Fear: You can undergo dental treatments you need without the stress and worry that often accompanies dental visits.
Time Efficiency: Multiple treatments can be completed in a single sedation session, saving you time and reducing the number of visits needed.
No Memory of Discomfort: You’ll have little to no memory of the procedure, which is particularly beneficial for anxious patients.
Better Treatment Outcomes: When you’re relaxed, our experienced sleep dentists can work more efficiently and effectively, often completing more comprehensive dental work.
Convenience: Treatment is done at our comfortable Balwyn practice – no need to visit a hospital or specialist facility.
Cost-Effective for Multiple Procedures: Combining multiple treatments under sedation can be more economical than separate visits.
Pleasant Experience: Transform what could be a stressful visit into a pleasant experience where you simply rest and wake up with improved dental health.
Book online today or call to inquire about how we can help.
Common Sleep Dentistry Procedures
Sedation dentistry can be used for virtually any dental work. Whether you need simple dental care or complex treatments, we can help make it comfortable for you:
Multiple Fillings
Complete all your fillings in one comfortable session rather than spreading across multiple visits.
Dental Fillings
Dental Implant Placement
Sedation keeps you comfortable while we place titanium implants into your jawbone to replace missing teeth.
Dental Implants
Cosmetic Procedures
Lengthy treatments like multiple veneers or smile makeovers are more comfortable under sedation.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Crown and Bridge Procedures
Sedation helps lengthy preparation work pass more comfortably.
Dental CrownsRoutine Cleanings for Anxious Patients
Light sedation makes regular visits stress free for patients with dental anxiety.
Teeth Cleaning & Checkups
Root Canal treatment
You can feel completely at ease while we remove the infected nerve and save your natural tooth.
Root canal treatment
Periodontal (Gum) Surgery
Stay comfortable during detailed work below the gum line for gum disease treatment.
Extensive Restorative Work
Complete multiple procedures in fewer visits, saving you time while staying relaxed.
Tooth Extractions
From simple extractions to wisdom teeth removal, sedation makes these procedures much more comfortable.
What to Expect During Your Sedation Dentistry Visit
Your comfort and safety are paramount throughout the entire process:
Pre-Treatment Preparation: We require that you don’t eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your visit. This is important for your safety during sedation.
Pre-Treatment Consultation: We’ll discuss your medical history, anxiety levels, and treatment needs to determine the best sedation option for you.
During Treatment: Our team will monitor you closely while Dr Rostkier performs your dental work. You’ll feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process. With IV sedation, you’ll be conscious and can hear and follow instructions, but many patients have no recollection of what happened during their visit.
Recovery and Monitoring: After your treatment, you’ll rest in our comfortable recovery area for about 45 minutes so we can monitor for any after effects. You might experience slight drowsiness, and this is completely normal.
Going Home: You cannot drive after sedation, so you’ll need somebody to drive and accompany you home.
Follow-Up Care: Our team will provide detailed post-treatment instructions and ensure you’re ready to go home safely.
Book online today or call to inquire about how we can help.
Your Experienced Sleep Dentistry Team
Dr Steven Rostkier has been continually developing his skills and expanding his education in sedation dentistry throughout his career. As a 1999 graduate of the University of Melbourne who has been serving the Balwyn community for over 25 years, Dr Rostkier combines extensive experience with a gentle, understanding approach.
Our entire team is trained in sedation protocols and patient care, ensuring you receive the highest standard of treatment in a warm, supportive environment. We understand that choosing sleep dentistry is a significant decision, and we’re here to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
Our Difference in Sleep Dentistry
At Dr Steven Rostkier's practice, we create a complete comfort experience that sets us apart from other dental practices with care that is safe, gentle and highly professional.
Calming Environment
Our Melbourne clinic feels more like a calm sanctuary than a typical dental clinic. We have soft music playing, beautiful views, a TV with DVDs for entertainment, and even a massaging chair for your comfort. These touches, combined with our sedation dentistry options, create a relaxed dental experience that makes your visit as stress free as possible.
Personalised Sleep Dentistry Plans
We take the time to understand your specific anxiety levels and medical history to create a customised sedation plan that’s perfect for your needs.
Advanced Safety and Monitoring
Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest monitoring technology, and our experienced team is trained in sleep dentistry and emergency dental procedures, ensuring your safety throughout every procedure.
Not Rushed, Yet On Time
We allow enough time for thorough, personalised sleep dentistry appointments, ensuring you never feel hurried while maintaining our commitment to running on time 95% of the time.
What Our Patients Say About Us
Questions?
You won't feel any pain during your sleep dentistry treatment. The sedative starts working within a few minutes, allowing your dentist to begin the procedure quickly and with little to no discomfort.
After your treatment, you'll need to stay in our practice for about 45 minutes for monitoring. You might experience slight drowsiness, and occasionally mild nausea or swelling at the injection site, but this is temporary. You cannot drive or return to work the same day.
Yes, we require that you don't eat or drink anything for 6 hours before your appointment. You'll also need to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you cannot drive or take an Uber alone after sedation.
- Dental treatment fee: Paid in advance for your specific procedures
- Professional Anaesthetist Fee: $700 for the first hour, then $350 for every half hour thereafter
- You'll receive a Medicare rebate of approximately 20% of the anaesthetist's fees (higher rebates available for healthcare card holders)
- Type of sedation
- Length of your visit
- Complexity of treatment
- Whether we can combine multiple treatments in one session (often saving you time and money)
Book An Appointment
Book your Sedation Dentistry consultation with Dr. Steven Rostkier in Balwyn today. Call us on (03) 9831 3272 or book online to take the first step toward your dream smile.