Sleep Dentistry at Core Dental Southbank product guide

Core Dental Group – Sleep Dentistry at Core Dental Southbank

Dental anxiety is real, common, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether your fear comes from a past experience, needle phobia, a sensitive gag reflex, or simply years of putting off the dentist, Core Dental Group's Southbank practice at 55 City Rd offers sedation options to help you get the care you need without the dread. We see anxious patients from Southbank, South Wharf, Docklands, Melbourne CBD, and the surrounding inner-city area.

Understanding dental anxiety

Research suggests up to 1 in 6 Australians experience some level of dental anxiety, and for many, the fear is severe enough to stop them seeking treatment altogether. The longer visits are delayed, the more complicated treatment becomes — a cycle of avoidance that takes a toll on both oral and general health.

At Core Dental Southbank, our team is trained to recognise dental anxiety and respond with patience, clear communication, and comfort measures designed to make every visit as stress-free as possible.

Sedation options at Core Dental Southbank

Happy gas (nitrous oxide)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as happy gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It produces a calm, relaxed feeling within minutes. You stay fully conscious and can communicate throughout treatment. The effects wear off quickly, and most patients can drive themselves home afterward. Happy gas works well for both adults and children and suits mild to moderate anxiety.

Oral sedation

For patients who need deeper relaxation, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative medication before your appointment. You'll feel drowsy and deeply relaxed during treatment, though you remain conscious. A companion needs to drive you to and from the appointment, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Comfort measures

Beyond sedation, our Southbank team offers noise-cancelling headphones, Netflix streaming during treatment, warm blankets, and a gentle, unhurried approach to every appointment. We encourage anxious patients to talk through their concerns before treatment begins so we can tailor the experience to suit them.

When you need more — general anaesthesia at Collins Street

For patients with severe dental phobia, complex treatment needs, or medical conditions that make standard sedation unsuitable, Core Dental Southbank can refer you to the Collins Street Specialist Centre within Smile Solutions at 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, just minutes from our Southbank practice. Dental treatment there is performed under full general anaesthesia, administered by a specialist anaesthetist in a purpose-built facility with dedicated recovery rooms and a four-person clinical team. Extensive treatment can be completed in a single session, with no awareness or memory of the procedure.

Collins Street Specialist Centre — Phone: (03) 9650 2726 | directory.smilesolutions.com.au

Why Core Dental Group?

Core Dental Southbank is part of Core Dental Group, a network of 9 Melbourne locations with over 80 clinicians, including 25+ specialists, and more than 300,000 patients served across 33 years. Located on City Rd, the practice is easy to reach for Southbank residents, students, and CBD workers, with the full resources of the network behind every appointment.

Book a consultation

Your first step is a conversation. Call Core Dental Southbank to talk through your anxiety and find the sedation option that suits you best.

Address: 55 City Rd, Southbank VIC 3006 National: 13 13 16 Website: directory.coredental.com.au

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026