Hi, Dr Linda here from New Gisborne Dental House, part of the Dental House Group.
If the idea of going to the dentist makes you feel nervous, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is more common than you think, and it can often lead people to delay or avoid treatment altogether. That’s why we offer a range of sleep dentistry options to help you feel more relaxed and in control during your visit.
Let’s walk through the different types of sedation we offer so you can choose what feels right for you.
The most gentle option is oral sedation. This involves taking a prescribed tablet before your appointment to help reduce anxiety. You’ll stay awake but feel calmer and more at ease throughout your procedure.
Next is happy gas, or nitrous oxide. This is ideal if you want to feel more relaxed without being fully sedated. You simply breathe it in through a small mask, and within minutes you’ll feel lighter, calmer, and less aware of what’s going on around you. The best part? The effects wear off quickly, so you can usually go about your day afterward.
For deeper relaxation, we offer IV sedation, also known as twilight sedation. This is administered through a drip by a qualified sedationist. You’ll stay responsive but feel like you’re drifting in and out of sleep and chances are, you won’t remember much of the procedure. It’s a great option for longer appointments or if you’d rather not be fully aware during treatment.
And for those who need to be completely asleep, we also offer general anaesthesia. At New Gisborne Dental House, this is delivered in a fully equipped, purpose-built facility, so you can receive care in a safe, comfortable, and well-monitored environment. This is best for complex treatments, severe dental anxiety, or patients with a strong gag reflex.
Whether you’re looking for mild relaxation or full sedation, we’ll help you find the safest and most comfortable option to suit your needs. If you’d like to learn more about sleep dentistry or which sedation method might be best for you, simply DM us or call 1800 GENTLE to chat with our team.
