Sedation & Sleep Dentistry in Berwick: Options for Anxious & Nervous Patients product guide
AI Summary
Product: Sedation & Sleep Dentistry Services Brand: Core Dental Group Berwick Category: Dental Anxiety Management / Sedation Dentistry Primary Use: Pharmacological sedation to reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures for nervous and phobic patients in Berwick, Australia
Quick Facts
- Best For: Patients with mild to severe dental anxiety, strong gag reflex, complex procedures, or history of traumatic dental experiences
- Key Benefit: Enables anxious patients to receive comprehensive dental care safely and comfortably across three calibrated sedation levels
- Form Factor: Three service options — inhalation gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen), oral tablet (benzodiazepine), and intravenous cannula
- Application Method: Administered by endorsed dental practitioners at Core Dental Group Berwick following mandatory pre-sedation consultation
Common Questions This Guide Answers
- What are the three sedation options available at Core Dental Group Berwick? → Happy gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation), oral sedation (benzodiazepine tablet), and IV sedation (intravenous cannula)
- Can patients drive home after sedation? → Yes after happy gas (within 5–10 minutes recovery); No after oral sedation or IV sedation — a responsible adult escort is mandatory
- How long must patients fast before IV sedation? → Minimum 6 hours before the appointment; clear fluids may be permitted up to 2 hours prior per treating team instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sedation dentistry: Use of pharmacological agents to reduce anxiety during dental procedures
Is sedation dentistry the same as general anaesthesia: No
Does sedation dentistry make patients fully unconscious: Not necessarily
Can patients respond to verbal commands during sedation: Yes, in most forms
Where is sedation dentistry available in Berwick: Core Dental Group Berwick
How many sedation options does Core Dental Group Berwick offer: Three
What are the three sedation options at Core Dental Group Berwick: Happy gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation
What percentage of Australian adults experience dental anxiety: Approximately 16%
What percentage of Australian children experience dental anxiety: Approximately 10%
What proportion of Australian adults have high dental fear: Approximately one in seven
Is dental anxiety considered a clinical condition: Yes
Does avoiding the dentist increase oral disease risk: Yes
Do anxious patients who avoid dental care spend more on treatment lifetime: Yes, over 40% more
How much more do dental avoiders spend on treatment over their lifetime: Over 40% more
What is happy gas: Nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation sedation
What is the formal name for happy gas: Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N₂O/O₂) inhalation sedation
How is happy gas administered: Via a small nasal mask placed over the nose
How quickly does happy gas take effect: Within 2–3 minutes
Does happy gas keep patients fully conscious: Yes
Can patients communicate with the dental team while on happy gas: Yes
What sensation do patients typically feel with happy gas: Warm, floaty, pleasantly detached
Is happy gas reversible: Yes, rapidly reversible
How is happy gas reversed: By administering pure oxygen for several minutes
How long does recovery from happy gas take: Approximately 5–10 minutes
Can patients drive home after happy gas: Yes, after recovery
Does happy gas require fasting: No
Is happy gas suitable for children: Yes
Is happy gas suitable for mild to moderate anxiety: Yes
Is happy gas suitable for patients with a gag reflex: Yes
Does a dentist need special endorsement to administer happy gas for anxiolysis: No
What is oral sedation: Taking a prescribed sedative tablet before the appointment
What type of medication is used for oral sedation: Typically a benzodiazepine such as temazepam or triazolam
When is the oral sedation tablet taken: Approximately 60 minutes before the appointment
Can patients drive themselves to an oral sedation appointment: No
Must a responsible adult accompany a patient for oral sedation: Yes
Does oral sedation provide deeper sedation than happy gas: Yes
Is oral sedation as precisely controllable as IV sedation: No
Can patients have partial or no memory of the procedure with oral sedation: Yes
Does oral sedation still require local anaesthetic for pain control: Yes
How long should patients rest after oral sedation: For the remainder of the day
Should patients avoid alcohol after oral sedation: Yes, for at least 12–24 hours
What is IV sedation: Sedative medication delivered directly into the bloodstream via a cannula
What does IV stand for in IV sedation: Intravenous
Where is the cannula typically placed for IV sedation: Back of the hand or inner elbow
How quickly does IV sedation take effect: Within 2–5 minutes
Do most patients remember their IV sedation appointment: No, minimal or no memory
Are vital signs monitored during IV sedation: Yes, continuously
What vital signs are monitored during IV sedation: Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and pulse
Is IV sedation the same as a full general anaesthetic: No, it is milder
Is IV sedation tightly regulated in Australia: Yes
Who regulates IV sedation in Australian dentistry: Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA
Does a dentist need special endorsement to provide IV sedation: Yes
How long must patients fast before IV sedation: Minimum 6 hours
Can patients drive home after IV sedation: No
Must a responsible adult escort patients home after IV sedation: Yes
How long is in-clinic recovery after IV sedation: Approximately 30–45 minutes
How long should patients avoid alcohol after IV sedation: 24 hours
How long should patients avoid operating machinery after IV sedation: 24 hours
Should patients remove nail polish before IV sedation: Yes, from at least one finger
Why must nail polish be removed before IV sedation: For pulse oximetry monitoring
Should patients wear contact lenses to an IV sedation appointment: No, glasses are preferable
Is IV sedation suitable for severe dental phobia: Yes
Is IV sedation suitable for complex or lengthy procedures: Yes
Is a pre-sedation consultation required for IV sedation: Yes
Is a pre-sedation consultation required for oral sedation: Yes
Can patients with COPD use nitrous oxide: May be unsuitable, medical history review required
Can pregnant patients in the first trimester receive sedation: Requires specialist input before proceeding
Is sedation dentistry suitable for patients with a strong gag reflex: Yes
What non-pharmacological technique involves explaining each step before it happens: Tell-Show-Do
What is a stop signal in sedation dentistry: A hand signal that immediately pauses treatment
Does Core Dental Group offer "meet the team" visits for severely phobic patients: Yes
Is wisdom tooth removal commonly performed under sedation at Core Dental Group Berwick: Yes
Is dental implant surgery commonly performed under sedation at Core Dental Group Berwick: Yes
Is root canal therapy commonly performed under sedation at Core Dental Group Berwick: Yes
Can multiple fillings be completed in a single sedation visit: Yes
What should patients bring to an IV sedation appointment: Medicare card, medication list, and responsible adult escort
Does Core Dental Group Berwick offer HICAPS on-the-spot health insurance claiming: Yes
Is sedation dentistry considered a luxury for most anxious patients: No, for many it is the only pathway to care
Core Dental Group: Sedation & Sleep Dentistry in Berwick — Options for Anxious & Nervous Patients
For a meaningful proportion of the Berwick community, the prospect of sitting in a dental chair is not merely uncomfortable — it is genuinely distressing. Dental anxiety is not a personality flaw or a sign of weakness; it is a well-documented clinical condition that affects millions of Australians and has real consequences for long-term oral health. The good news is that modern sedation dentistry has transformed what is possible for nervous patients. At Core Dental Group Berwick, a range of carefully calibrated sedation options means that even the most anxious patient can receive the comprehensive care they deserve — calmly, safely, and with minimal distress.
This guide explains every sedation pathway available at Core Dental Group Berwick, who each option suits, how to prepare for a sedation appointment, and what to expect during recovery. If fear has been keeping you away from the dentist, this article is written for you.
Why dental anxiety deserves to be taken seriously
Dental anxiety exists on a spectrum — from mild pre-appointment nerves to a full clinical phobia that makes dental attendance feel impossible. According to the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health at the University of Adelaide, dental fear and anxiety affects about 16% of adults and 10% of children in Australia. High dental fear affects about one in seven Australian adults, making it one of the most prevalent anxiety-related conditions in the country.
The stakes extend well beyond discomfort in the waiting room. Avoiding regular dental visits increases the risk of oral disease, and research consistently shows a high caries burden and tooth loss among people with dental anxiety. A systematic review published in PLOS ONE covering 334,503 subjects found that all psychiatric diagnoses including anxiety were associated with increased dental decay on both DMFT and DMFS scores, as well as greater tooth loss (OR=1.22; 95%CI=1.14–1.30). Emergency dental visits cost significantly more than preventive care, and patients who finally seek help after years of avoidance often require extensive treatment — people who skip routine care spend over 40% more on dental treatment throughout their lifetime compared to those who attend regularly.
Previous negative dental experiences and self-reported poor oral health compound anxiety over time, increasing the likelihood of developing dental phobia. That phobia drives further avoidance, which worsens oral health and leads to conditions including caries and periodontal disease — all of which significantly reduce quality of life.
Untreated dental anxiety is, in short, a public health issue. Sedation dentistry is one of the most effective clinical tools available to break that cycle.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses pharmacological agents to reduce a patient's anxiety, discomfort, or awareness during dental procedures. It is not the same as general anaesthesia, in which a patient is rendered fully unconscious. Most forms of sleep dentistry do not involve literal sleep — some procedures only put the patient in a relaxed state where they can still hear and respond to verbal commands.
At Core Dental Group Berwick, sedation is used not only to manage anxiety but also to:
- Enable longer or more complex procedures to be completed in a single visit
- Help patients with a strong gag reflex tolerate treatment comfortably
- Support patients with special needs or cognitive differences
- Allow nervous patients to receive the same standard of care as anyone else
There are three primary sedation pathways available: inhalation sedation (happy gas), oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Each operates at a different depth and suits a different patient profile.
Option 1: Happy gas (nitrous oxide inhalation sedation)
What it is and how it works
Happy gas — formally known as nitrous oxide/oxygen (N₂O/O₂) inhalation sedation — is the most widely used and accessible form of dental sedation. The combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen is a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in dentistry when used appropriately.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognises nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and efficient technique to provide analgesia, anxiolysis, and conscious sedation, and to enhance cooperation between patient and dentist during dental interventions.
During the appointment, a small, comfortable nasal mask is placed over the nose. The patient breathes a carefully calibrated blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within a few minutes, most patients report a warm, floaty sensation — a feeling of pleasant detachment from the procedure taking place. The patient remains fully conscious, can communicate with the dental team, and retains all protective reflexes throughout.
One of the most clinically significant advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it wears off. Pure oxygen is administered for several minutes at the end of the appointment, and the effects dissipate quickly. A dentist does not need special endorsement to administer relative analgesia using nitrous oxide/oxygen on its own or in combination with local anaesthetic, as long as the state of conscious sedation is not achieved.
Who is happy gas suitable for?
Happy gas is an excellent first option for:
- Mildly to moderately anxious adults and children attending for check-ups, fillings, or scale-and-clean appointments
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex who find impressions or radiographs difficult
- Patients who need to drive themselves home after the appointment — unlike oral or IV sedation, recovery is typically complete within minutes
- Children — Core Dental Group Berwick's paediatric team regularly uses happy gas to make dental visits positive experiences for young patients (see our guide on Children's Dentistry in Berwick: Paediatric Dental Care for Infants, Kids & Teens)
What to expect
- No fasting is required, though a light meal beforehand is advisable
- The nasal mask is placed comfortably over your nose
- Effects begin within 2–3 minutes of inhalation
- You remain awake, relaxed, and able to communicate throughout
- Recovery is rapid — most patients feel completely normal within 5–10 minutes of oxygen administration
Option 2: Oral sedation
What it is and how it works
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative medication — typically a benzodiazepine such as temazepam or triazolam — by mouth, usually one hour before the dental appointment. It comes as a pill or liquid (called enteral sedation) and is often used alongside nitrous oxide. The patient may still be awake but will not feel nervous about the dental work.
The depth of sedation achieved with oral medication is moderate — deeper than happy gas alone, but lighter than IV sedation. Patients typically feel drowsy and relaxed, and may have partial or no memory of the procedure afterwards. Because the medication is absorbed through the digestive system, the onset and depth of effect are less precisely controllable than IV sedation, which is why this option suits patients with moderate anxiety rather than severe phobia.
Who is oral sedation suitable for?
Oral sedation works well for:
- Moderately anxious patients who find happy gas insufficient but do not need the deeper sedation of IV
- Patients undergoing longer or more involved procedures such as multiple fillings, wisdom tooth removal, or crown preparation (see our guide on Wisdom Teeth Removal in Berwick: Process, Recovery & What to Expect and Dental Crowns & Bridges in Berwick)
- Patients with a strong gag reflex that makes inhalation sedation via nasal mask difficult
- Patients who have previously had a poor experience with inhalation sedation alone
What to expect
- A prescription is provided at a consultation prior to the procedure
- The tablet is taken at home approximately 60 minutes before the appointment
- You must not drive to or from the appointment — a responsible adult must accompany you
- You will feel drowsy and relaxed; the dentist will still use local anaesthetic for pain control
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day; do not operate machinery or make important decisions
Option 3: IV sedation (intravenous / "sleep dentistry")
What it is and how it works
Intravenous (IV) sedation — commonly called "sleep dentistry" in Australia — delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream via a small cannula, typically placed in the back of the hand or inner elbow. It is a form of conscious sedation where medication is delivered through a small line placed into a vein. Within a few minutes, the patient feels peaceful, drowsy, and detached from what is happening in the room. Unlike a full general anaesthetic in hospital, IV sedation at the dentist is milder.
Most patients remember very little, if anything, about the appointment afterwards — it often feels as though the entire visit passed in only a few minutes. Throughout the procedure, the patient's vital signs — blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and pulse — are continuously monitored.
IV sedation is the most tightly regulated form of sedation in Australian dentistry. Only practitioners with appropriate training and endorsement are permitted to provide it, and they must comply with strict standards set by the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Specifically, a dentist who wishes to induce a level of conscious sedation must be endorsed by the Dental Board prior to doing so and meet the requirements set out in the Registration Standard.
Who is IV sedation suitable for?
IV sedation is the most appropriate option for:
- Patients with severe dental phobia who cannot tolerate treatment under lighter sedation
- Patients requiring complex or lengthy procedures — multiple extractions, full-mouth restorations, implant surgery, or All-on-4 treatment (see our guide on Dental Implants in Berwick: Single Implants, All-on-4 & Full Mouth Restoration Options)
- Patients with a severe gag reflex that cannot be managed by other means
- Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past and need a fresh start in a controlled, compassionate environment
- Patients who prefer to have no memory of the procedure at all
What to expect
- A thorough pre-sedation consultation is required, including a full medical history review
- You must fast for a minimum of 6 hours before the appointment (no food; clear fluids may be permitted up to 2 hours prior — your treating team will provide specific instructions)
- A responsible adult must drive you to and from the clinic and remain available for the rest of the day
- The cannula is placed with a small local anaesthetic injection to minimise discomfort
- Recovery in the clinic typically takes 30–45 minutes before discharge
- In Australia and New Zealand, you must have someone take you home after the procedure
- Avoid alcohol, operating machinery, and signing legal documents for 24 hours post-procedure
Sedation options at a glance: comparison table
| Feature | Happy Gas (N₂O) | Oral Sedation | IV Sedation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety level suited | Mild–moderate | Moderate | Moderate–severe |
| Depth of sedation | Light (anxiolysis) | Moderate | Moderate–deep |
| Onset of effect | 2–3 minutes | ~60 minutes | 2–5 minutes |
| Memory of procedure | Full | Partial/none | Minimal/none |
| Can drive home? | Yes (after recovery) | No | No |
| Fasting required? | No | No | Yes (6 hours) |
| Endorsement required? | No (for anxiolysis) | Yes | Yes |
| Recovery time | Minutes | Hours | 1–2 hours in clinic |
| Suitable for children? | Yes | Selected cases | Selected cases |
Who is a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most patients who experience dental anxiety are suitable candidates for at least one form of sedation, but a thorough pre-sedation assessment is essential. At Core Dental Group Berwick, this consultation covers:
- Medical history — including current medications, allergies, respiratory conditions (COPD or severe asthma may affect nitrous oxide suitability), cardiovascular health, and pregnancy status
- Anxiety assessment — understanding the nature and severity of your fear helps the team select the most appropriate option
- Procedure complexity — the type and duration of treatment planned will influence which sedation level makes sense
- Social support — confirming a responsible adult is available to accompany you home where required
Certain conditions may require additional specialist input before sedation proceeds, including uncontrolled epilepsy, severe obstructive sleep apnoea, significant cardiovascular disease, or first-trimester pregnancy. Your dentist will discuss any contraindications openly during the consultation.
Pre-appointment preparation: what to do before a sedation appointment
Preparation varies depending on the type of sedation selected. Here is a practical checklist:
For happy gas (nitrous oxide)
- Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before your appointment (a full stomach is not ideal)
- Tell your dentist about any nasal congestion — a blocked nose reduces the effectiveness of inhalation sedation
- No special transport arrangements needed — you can drive home after recovery
For oral sedation
- Pick up your prescription in advance and confirm the correct dosage and timing with your dentist
- Arrange a responsible adult to drive you to and from the clinic — this is non-negotiable
- Do not take the medication until you are ready to be transported to the clinic
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Bring a list of all current medications to your appointment
For IV sedation
- Fast for a minimum of 6 hours (your team will provide precise instructions for your specific appointment)
- Arrange your responsible adult escort — they must stay at the clinic or be immediately contactable
- Remove nail polish from at least one finger (for pulse oximetry monitoring)
- Wear short sleeves or a top with easily rolled sleeves for cannula placement
- Bring photo ID and your Medicare card
- Do not wear contact lenses — glasses are preferable
- Tell the team about any changes to your health or medications since your pre-sedation consultation
What to bring to your sedation appointment
- Medicare card and private health insurance card (for on-the-spot HICAPS claiming — see our guide on Health Insurance & Payment Options at Core Dental Group Berwick)
- A complete list of current medications and supplements
- Your responsible adult escort (for oral and IV sedation)
- Comfortable clothing — avoid jewellery and tight-fitting garments
- Any referral letters or imaging from your GP or specialist if relevant
Recovery: what to expect after your sedation appointment
After happy gas
Recovery is rapid. Most patients feel completely clear-headed within 5–10 minutes of breathing pure oxygen at the end of the appointment. You can drive, return to work, and resume normal activities shortly after leaving the clinic.
After oral sedation
Drowsiness may persist for several hours. Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid driving, alcohol, and important decisions for at least 12–24 hours. Mild nausea is occasionally reported but typically resolves quickly.
After IV sedation
You will be monitored in the clinic until your vital signs are stable and you are sufficiently alert — most patients are discharged within 30–45 minutes of the procedure ending. Expect to feel groggy and emotionally flat for the rest of the day; this is entirely normal. Eat light, easily digestible foods. Soreness at the cannula site is common and resolves within a day or two. Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
How Core Dental Group supports patients with dental phobia
Beyond pharmacological sedation, Core Dental Group Berwick's approach to anxious patients is built on genuine compassion and communication. Practical strategies that complement sedation include:
- Tell-Show-Do — explaining and demonstrating each step before it happens, so nothing comes as a surprise
- Stop signals — agreeing on a hand signal that immediately pauses treatment, giving patients a sense of control
- Unhurried appointments — scheduling extra time for anxious patients so there is no pressure to rush
- Distraction options — headphones, music, and a calm clinical environment
- Gradual desensitisation — for patients with severe phobia, beginning with a no-treatment "meet the team" visit before any clinical work is undertaken
These non-pharmacological strategies work best alongside appropriate sedation, not as a replacement for it. For patients whose anxiety connects to broader psychological health concerns, Core Dental Group Berwick may recommend concurrent support from a GP or psychologist.
Sedation dentistry and related procedures at Core Dental Group Berwick
Sedation is not a standalone service — it is what makes other treatments accessible for patients who would otherwise avoid them. The most common procedures performed under sedation at Core Dental Group Berwick include:
- Wisdom tooth removal — often the procedure patients are most apprehensive about (see our guide on Wisdom Teeth Removal in Berwick: Process, Recovery & What to Expect)
- Dental implant surgery — multi-stage procedures that benefit greatly from IV sedation (see Dental Implants in Berwick: Single Implants, All-on-4 & Full Mouth Restoration Options)
- Root canal therapy — a procedure surrounded by fear and misinformation that sedation can make entirely manageable (see Root Canal Treatment in Berwick: What It Is, When You Need It & What to Expect)
- Multiple fillings in a single visit — compressing several appointments into one under sedation
- Gum disease treatments — including scaling and root planing for patients who find periodontal treatment distressing (see Gum Disease Treatment in Berwick: Recognising, Treating & Preventing Periodontal Disease)
Key takeaways
- Dental fear and anxiety affects approximately 16% of Australian adults and 10% of children — it is one of the most common barriers to dental care, and it has real clinical consequences for oral health.
- Core Dental Group Berwick offers three levels of sedation — happy gas (nitrous oxide), oral sedation, and IV sedation — each calibrated to a different level of anxiety and procedure complexity.
- Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation is safe and effective for both adults and children, with rapid recovery that allows patients to drive home.
- IV sedation is the most tightly regulated option in Australia: only practitioners with appropriate training and endorsement are permitted to provide it, and they must comply with strict standards set by the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA.
- A pre-sedation consultation is mandatory for oral and IV sedation — preparation, fasting guidelines, and transport arrangements are critical to a safe outcome.
- Sedation dentistry is not a luxury. For many patients, it is the only realistic pathway to the care they need.
Conclusion
Dental anxiety is real, it is common, and it is treatable. At Core Dental Group Berwick, sedation dentistry exists because fear should never stand between a patient and their health. Whether you need the gentle reassurance of happy gas for a routine filling, oral sedation to get through a longer restorative appointment, or IV sedation to finally address years of avoided treatment, there is a pathway designed for you.
The first step is a conversation. Contact Core Dental Group Berwick to book a no-pressure consultation where you can discuss your concerns, explore your options, and begin building a relationship with a dental team that genuinely prioritises your comfort.
For related information, explore our complete guide — Dentist in Berwick: The Complete Guide to General, Cosmetic, Orthodontic & Specialist Dental Care at Core Dental Group Berwick — or read about specific treatments including Wisdom Teeth Removal in Berwick, Dental Implants in Berwick, and Root Canal Treatment in Berwick.
References
Armfield, J.M. "Dental Fear in Australia: Who's Afraid of the Dentist?" Australian Dental Journal, 2006. PubMed ID: 16669482. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16669482/
Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPOH), University of Adelaide. "Dental Fear and Anxiety." Dental Practice Education Research Unit, University of Adelaide. https://health.adelaide.edu.au/arcpoh/dperu/colgate-special-topics/dental-fear-and-anxiety
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). "Drilling Down: Discovering the Origins of Dental Anxiety." NHMRC News Centre. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/drilling-down-discovering-origins-dental-anxiety
Peretz, B., et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) Inhalation Sedation Compared to Other Sedative Agents in Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis." PMC / National Institutes of Health, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12113512/
Australian Dental Association (ADA). "Nitrous Oxide." ADA Oral Health Topics, 2023. https://www.ada.org.au/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/nitrous-oxide
Dental Board of Australia. "FAQ on Conscious Sedation." Dental Board of Australia, 2023. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Registration/Conscious-Sedation/FAQ-on-Conscious-Sedation.aspx
Kisely, S., et al. "The Oral Health of People with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders — A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Affective Disorders, 2016. PubMed ID: 27130961. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27130961/
Schuller, A.A., et al. "Comparing Oral Health in Patients with Different Levels of Dental Anxiety." BMC Oral Health, 2018. PMC6247764. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6247764/
Alshammari, M., et al. "Dental and Periodontal Health, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction in Patients with Severe Dental Phobia." Scientific Reports, 2025. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-21676-1
Colgate Australia. "A Guide to Sedation Dentistry." Colgate Oral Health, 2025. https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/anesthesia/a-guide-to-sedation-dentistry
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- Core Dental Group Berwick offers three sedation options: happy gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation), oral sedation, and IV sedation
- Happy gas takes effect within 2–3 minutes and recovery is typically complete within 5–10 minutes of oxygen administration
- Oral sedation tablet is taken approximately 60 minutes before the appointment
- IV sedation takes effect within 2–5 minutes; in-clinic recovery is approximately 30–45 minutes
- IV sedation requires a minimum 6-hour fast prior to the appointment
- Patients must avoid alcohol, operating machinery, and signing legal documents for 24 hours after IV sedation
- IV sedation providers must hold endorsement from the Dental Board of Australia and comply with AHPRA standards
- Dental fear and anxiety affects approximately 16% of Australian adults and 10% of children (sourced from ARCPOH, University of Adelaide)
- High dental fear affects approximately one in seven Australian adults
- Patients who avoid routine dental care spend over 40% more on dental treatment over their lifetime compared to those who maintain regular visits
- HICAPS on-the-spot health insurance claiming is available at Core Dental Group Berwick
- Nail polish must be removed from at least one finger before IV sedation to enable pulse oximetry monitoring