Sedation dentistry (IV sedation) with Dr Barry Creighton at our Richmond practice
Known among his patents as “the gentle dentist”, Dr Creighton has practised as a dental surgeon for more than 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and also a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry – Conscious Sedation. He brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to Richmond Fine Dentistry, to ensure that our patients have the smoothest, safest and most relaxed procedures possible.
After observing the benefits of sedation dentistry, Dr Barry Creighton embarked on a journey to establish his own IV sedation practice here in Melbourne. Patients are now able to receive complete professional sleep dentistry care in their own familiar dental clinic, with the people they know and trust right there with them.
Dr Creighton, principal of Dental Sedation Victoria, provides mobile services to Richmond Fine Dentistry and its patients. He and his registered nurse will provide care throughout the procedure, ensuring patients’ dental experiences are that of calm and comfort.
When should IV sedation be used for dental treatments?
For many people a trip to the dentist can instil fear and apprehension of a potentially uncomfortable or painful experience. Those who suffer significant anxiety at the prospect of an appointment may end up delaying or forgoing treatment altogether. Sedation dentistry allows dental procedures to be carried out while the patient is in a deeply relaxed state. Despite still being conscious and able to follow instructions from the dentist while under IV sedation, most patients report little to no memory of the experience after being under this form of sedation. Compared to having dental work done under a general anaesthetic, dental sedation is less involved and leaves the client with the feeling of having snoozed throughout the entire procedure.
Sedation dentistry from the comfort of our Richmond dental clinic
Previously, patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist or dental phobia have been referred to a hospital where the level of sedation required was that of general anesthesia. This means the patient is completely asleep, requiring their vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate and pulse be monitored. The patient’s airway must also be protected as under this level of sedation the cough reflex is no longer operative.
With the help of Dr Barry Creighton we are able to offer Melbourne dental patients sleep dentistry right here in Richmond. During IV sedation, sometimes called “Twilight Sedation” or “Sleep Dentistry”, patients will experience drowsiness and may sleep lightly, though they can be easily awoken. Patients are able to respond to verbal commands and a physical touch, but such a level of assistance to maintain and monitor breathing and heart function is not needed. This type of sedation is safer than a general anaesthetic, and has the benefit of being able to be carried out right here within Richmond Fine Dentistry.
Are there side effects from using IV sedation for dental treatments?
Side effects resulting from dental treatment involving an intravenous sedative are rare. Symptoms that sometimes may present themselves are slight nausea, drowsiness and swelling or bruising at the site of injection. There is a risk of a reaction to the sedation drugs themselves in very rare cases. Emergency equipment and reversal drugs are at the ready during all procedures.
Patient requirements before IV sedation dental treatments
Eligible patients will generally be in good health and aged between 12 and 70 years. Children may respond differently to sedation medications, so IV sedation should only be used only when absolutely necessary. It is not recommended for patients with any kind of unstable medical conditions such as very high blood pressure, diabetes or stroke. Before proceeding you should seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
IV sedation procedure and after treatment process
To ensure a patient is suitable for sedation, an assessment of medical, airway and venous access will be carried out in a consultation prior to the procedure. An information folder including all pre and post operative instructions will be provided.
On the day of the procedure we arrive early to perform a pre-operative patient check and patient monitoring before we then proceed with the sedation process. Post-operative care continues until it is certain the patient is ready for discharge, and the family member or adult carer has read the information folder and knows what is required for travel and home care.