Sleep Dentistry

If dental anxiety and fear have prevented you from taking care of your teeth, don’t panic — there are solutions. Sleep dentistry can help you make it through dental appointments with minimal discomfort, stress, and anxiety — so you can maintain your oral health without worry.

Our team here at Elevate Dental are trained and licensed providers of sleep dentistry tools that can help you through any dental procedure. So, if your dental anxiety is preventing you from regular dental visits, we’re here to help. Whether you require a calming medication or nitrous oxide, we will see to it that your treatment is safe and effective.

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Importance of Dental Visits

The main reason we use sleep dentistry is to help patients relax. When patients are relaxed during a dental exam or treatment, it makes it easier for the dentist to work, which shortens the appointment time. And of course, it makes the appointment much less stressful for the patient, allowing them to maintain regular dental visits so future problems are avoided.

As with all dental problems, we at Elevate Dental feel that prevention is best for the patient. And the cornerstone of prevention is regular dental checkups so that small problems are identified and treated before they become big problems. But when left untreated, some dental problems like decay and infection can spread and lead to:

Tooth decay and cavities
Gum disease
Tooth loss and the need for implants or dentures
Root canal treatment
Heart disease
Diabetes
Stroke
Cognitive decline

If your dental anxiety is preventing you from regular dental visits, we can help. Whether you require a calming medication or nitrous oxide, we will see to it that your treatment is safe and effective.

Payment plans & options available

We work with you to find the best plan for your budget and your goals. 
We offer flexible payment plans, make on-the-spot health fund claims and zero-deposit options.

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Benefits of Sleep Dentistry with Nitrous Oxide

Dentists have been using nitrous oxide to help their patients relax for over 100 years. It’s one of the lightest sedatives, which doesn’t negate how extremely effective it is. Here are a few of the primary reasons why nitrous oxide is an ideal sedative for sleep dentistry:

Helps patients overcome their fear of the dentist or dental tools.
Impressive safety record.
Dosage can be adjusted to the patient’s needs.
No after effects (and limited side effects) for most patients.
Provides analgesia (the inability to feel pain).
Extremely effective for patients with dental anxiety and phobia.
Quick onset and equally fast recovery.

Am I a candidate for Sleep Dentistry?

Anyone who experiences extreme fear of the dentist or dental anxiety is a candidate for sleep dentistry with nitrous oxide. The sedative works well for adults and can also calm apprehensive children — helping both the patient and dentist. The treatments that use sleep dentistry most often include:

Root canal treatment
Tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth removal
Jaw pain
Infection of tooth or gums
Periodontal treatment
Highly sensitive gag reflex

Nitrous oxide can be used for dental exams and cleaning if needed. Since the side effects are minimal and it has a fast recovery time, some patients ask for this service for their regular dental appointments. Elevate Dental always prioritises your dental health and wellbeing, so if it helps you, we’re more than happy to administer nitrous oxide safely and effectively for your peace of mind.

If you think that sleep dentistry is right for you, be sure to talk to our team here at Elevate Dental. A thorough examination and evaluation — during which we’ll discuss your health history — will help us to serve you and determine how to proceed. Elevate Dental’s professional dentists are certified to work with nitrous oxide, so we are your go-to dental clinic for sleep dentistry.

Frequently asked questions

Our trusted dentists are here to help you with your individual needs.
Explore our FAQs below or contact us if you have a specific question.

What dental services do you offer from your Richmond clinic?

Here at Elevate Dental Richmond, we offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.

We’re a family-friendly Richmond dentist and can accommodate a wide range of dental concerns. Our most common dental services and treatments offered include:

  • Invisalign Treatment
  • General Dental
  • Composite Bonding and Veneers
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Dental Bonding
  • Dental Check Up and Cleans
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Implants
  • Dentures
  • Emergency Dental
  • Periodontal Treatment
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Wisdom Teeth Removal
  • Children's Dentistry

I'm anxious about visiting the dentist - can you help?

Yes, and please tell us. Plenty of people put off the dentist for years and then feel awkward about it; there's no judgement here, and it doesn't change how we treat you. We'll listen to what worries you, explain everything before we do it, and go at your pace, with a stop signal so you're always in control.

For most people, that plus the Netflix, headphones and a calm, unhurried appointment is enough. If you'd like more support, we have two options:

  • Happy gas (nitrous oxide), breathed through a small nose piece during your appointment. It takes the edge off within a few minutes and wears off just as quickly, so you can drive home afterwards.
  • Oral sedation, a tablet taken before your appointment that leaves you relaxed and drowsy. You'll need someone to bring you and take you home.
  • Lots of distractions! Netflix on the ceiling, noise-cancelling headphones, stress balls and a team that will happily talk about anything except teeth.

Both start with a conversation with your dentist about your health history and what suits you, so you can choose what feels right.

What kind of payment options do you have?​

We accept cash, EFTPOS and all major credit cards, including Amex, and we process health fund claims on the spot through HICAPS, so you only pay the gap.

For larger treatments, payment plans are available, including interest-free options and finance from around $45 a week. Our front office team will walk you through what suits your treatment and budget, and there's no obligation to decide on the day.

What are your opening hours?​

Monday: 8am – 6pm
Tuesday: 8am – 6pm
Wednesday: 8am – 6pm
Thursday: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 6pm

Will I feel pain?

At Elevate Dental, we strive to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible. We respect our patient’s wishes and we want you to know that we listen. Our experience has taught us that no matter what the dental procedure, many patients experience anxiety and fear. Unfortunately, a root canal treatment has a bad reputation, and creates more anxiety than other procedures. Fortunately, our experienced team can resolve most anxiety with a variety of techniques including:

  • Noise-cancelling headphones
  • Nitrous oxide (or happy gas)
  • Working at a pace that makes you feel comfortable
  • Local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area
  • Sleep dentistry for the extremely anxious

When a dental exam exposes the need for a root canal treatment, inform the dentist right away of any anxieties or fears you may have. Together we will find a solution so you can feel confident knowing your procedure will be low stress.

Why is a regular dental check up and clean important?

A regular dental check-up is important for maintaining good oral health. It helps in early detection of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. By visiting your dentist regularly, you can catch these issues early and avoid more serious problems down the line.

During a check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, take x-rays if necessary, and clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. This thorough cleaning helps prevent cavities and keeps your gums healthy.

Regular visits also give your dentist a chance to provide personalised advice on oral hygiene and brushing techniques, ensuring you keep your teeth in the best condition possible.

What can I expect during a dental check up and clean?

During a dental check-up and clean, you can expect a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. X-rays might be taken to get a closer look at areas that aren’t visible during the exam.

The cleaning process involves removing plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Your dentist or hygienist will also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking bright. They might provide tips on brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain good oral hygiene at home.

How can I overcome my fear of visiting the dentist?

Overcoming a fear of the dentist can be challenging, but there are several tips that can help.

First, find a dentist who understands your anxiety and is willing to take the time to make you feel comfortable. Communicate your fears openly, so they know how to best support you.

Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or listening to calming music, can also help reduce anxiety.

Consider bringing a friend or family member to your appointment for added support.

Gradually exposing yourself to the dental environment can also help you become more comfortable over time.

Remember, modern dental practices offer many ways to minimise discomfort, including pain-free treatments and sedation options.

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Book your checkup & clean or a Complimentary Smile Consultation at our Richmond clinic.
Same-day appointments may be available.

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161-165 Swan St. Richmond VIC 3121
Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm

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