At Dentists @ Canning Vale, we offer a range of sedation options – including IV sedation – so anxious patients can receive the dental care they need, comfortably and with confidence.
Is dental anxiety affecting your care?
Sedation dentistry may be right for you if you:
- Feel anxious, fearful or panicked about dental visits
- Avoid the dentist and delay treatment as a result
- Have had a difficult or painful dental experience in the past
- Have a sensitive gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Need lengthy or complex treatment completed in one appointment
- Struggle to get sufficiently numb with local anaesthetic alone
Your sedation options
During your consultation, we’ll assess your needs and recommend the most suitable option for your situation.
IV sedation – what to expect
Sedation is administered through a small cannula, typically in the back of the hand or inner arm. It takes effect quickly and produces a deep state of relaxation while you remain conscious and able to respond.
IV sedation may be suitable for patients who:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or phobia
- Require multiple or complex procedures in a single appointment
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Have previously struggled to get sufficiently numb with local anaesthetic
- Want to minimise awareness and memory of their dental treatment
What happens at your consultation?
Dr Desmond Ng and our team take the time to understand your anxiety, triggers and past experiences – in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
We review your medical history and current medications to ensure any sedation option we recommend is safe and appropriate for you.
Each sedation option is explained in plain language so you can make an informed decision. No pressure, no rush – your comfort and confidence come first.
We provide a clear treatment plan and cost estimate before anything proceeds, including any sedation fees, so there are no surprises.
On the day, your chosen sedation is administered and our team supports you throughout. Your comfort and safety are always the priority.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep under IV sedation?
No. IV sedation produces a deeply relaxed state but you remain conscious throughout. You may feel drowsy and have limited memory of the procedure, but you will not be put to sleep. General anaesthesia is a separate option for patients who need to be completely unconscious.
How long does IV sedation last?
The sedative effects typically wear off within a few hours, but you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You must not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions for 24 hours following IV sedation.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
When administered by appropriately trained dental professionals following thorough patient assessment, sedation dentistry has a strong safety record. Individual risks and benefits will be discussed with you fully before treatment proceeds.
Does private health insurance cover sedation?
Some private health funds may provide a benefit for sedation dentistry, depending on your level of cover and individual policy terms. We recommend contacting your fund directly before your appointment. Our team can provide an itemised treatment plan to assist with any enquiry.
What about children who need treatment under general anaesthesia?
In some situations, children may require dental treatment under general anaesthesia – particularly where extensive work is needed or the child is too young or anxious to cooperate while awake. We will arrange a referral to a qualified specialist Paediatric Dentist for GA treatment in a suitable facility.
Book a sedation consultation
If dental anxiety has been holding you back from getting the care you need, we’re here to help. Our team will take the time to understand your concerns and find the right approach for you.