In some situations, there are recognisable barriers to dental care, including:
- Time Constraints
- Dental Anxiety
- Vicinity to the Dental Clinic
The team at Lumino Smiles understands these potential barriers and wants to address them, specifically dental anxiety and phobias.
It is always our goal to make dentistry as accessible as possible to patients in our area.
In this blog, we’ll explore the following topics:
- We Aim to Provide Convenient Dental Care In Pascoe Vale, VIC
- About Sleep Dentistry: What You Should Know
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Sleep Dentistry in Pascoe Vale, VIC
- Why Some Patients Feel Anxious at the Dentist
- Feeling Unsure? Talk to Your Dentist
We Aim to Provide Convenient Dental Care In Pascoe Vale, VIC
One barrier to care can be time constraints and location. We offer early evening hours once per week and are centrally located near Gladroy and Hadfield for your convenience.
In addition to evening hours and our central location, we have taken steps to make your dental care more affordable by offering periodic specials in Pascoe Vale, VIC. We are also happy to work with Zip Pay to help our valued patients budget for their dental care.
About Sleep Dentistry: What You Should Know
Sleep dentistry (general anesthesia) allows you to sleep during your dental treatment. It is unlike nitrous oxide and oral sedation in that you won’t recall your treatment. Of course, this level of sedation means you’ll need transportation home and rest for the remainder of the day. We also encourage you not to make life-altering choices on the day of treatment, drive in any capacity, or operate heavy machinery.
We recognise that dental anxiety is one of the most common obstacles to dental care.
Of course, not every patient who feels anxious needs sleep dentistry, but it is available at our dental office for those seeking extra reassurance.
We will first evaluate you to ensure that sleep dentistry is safe and suitable for your needs. This includes taking a health history and asking for a list of current medications.
If you move ahead with sleep dentistry, rest assured that we monitor you continuously throughout treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sleep Dentistry in Pascoe Vale, VIC
Here are a few scenarios or circumstances that may indicate sedation dentistry:
- Dental Phobia and Anxiety: We know that fear and phobias prevent some people from seeing the dentist. Sedation dentistry may be the solution.
- Easy Gag Reflex: People who cough easily when the dentist is working in their mouth may benefit from sleep dentistry.
- Inability to Be Still: If you are fidgety or can’t relax, consider sedation dentistry in Pascoe Vale, VIC
- Invasive Dental Care: Even those without dental phobia may feel unsure about invasive dental treatments and procedures. Perhaps sedation can help.
- Lengthy or Multiple Treatments: Sleep dentistry can make it seem like your appointment is over in a flash, even if it lasts more than an hour.
Why Some Patients Feel Anxious at the Dentist
Dental anxiety and phobia can manifest for various reasons. For some people, an inciting incident occurred during childhood. Perhaps a member of the dental team was too rough or not very patient. Maybe it stems from embarrassment over the state of their dental health.
Some patients fear gagging or have never properly acclimated to the atmosphere and sounds of the dental office.
Still more people assume that a specific treatment is painful or that they’ll require a lengthy recovery time.
At Lumino Smiles, we are a gentle and understanding group of dental professionals who never judge! Our goal is only to restore your oral health and help keep you relaxed when under our care.
All patients and situations differ, so your experience will vary. Ask your dentist what to expect.
Feeling Unsure? Talk to Your Dentist
If there is ever anything we can do to help you feel more relaxed in our dental clinic, please let us know. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs.
Sometimes, if the dentist explains treatment beforehand and lets you know (in real time) what we’re going to do next, it quells the anxiety of the unknown.
You can also signal a team member if you’re feeling especially anxious and need a break. For example, you can raise your hand, and we’ll pause immediately to address your concern or give you a break.
To Learn More About Sleep Dentistry, We Welcome Your Call
Your comfort and well-being are always priorities at Lumino Smiles
If you would like to learn more about our approach to comfortable dental care, including sleep dentistry, or if you’re ready to book a consultation with the dentist, we encourage your call on (03) 8338 1440. You can also request a booking online.
We are happy to work with Zip Pay and invite you to check out our specials page for any potential savings. Ask a dental team member for information about limits and exclusions.