If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, or if you have been putting off treatment because the idea of a dental procedure feels overwhelming, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers to seeking oral care, and it affects more people than many realise.
Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers to seeking oral care, and it affects more people than many realise. Research has found that approximately 16% of Australian adults experience high levels of dental fear, with the most common triggers including fear of needles, painful procedures, and the cost of treatment. For many patients, this fear can lead to years of avoided appointments. By the time they seek help, smaller dental issues may have developed into more complex problems that require surgical treatment.
This is where sedation dentistry can make a real difference. In simple terms, sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures, from routine treatments to more involved surgical work. Depending on your level of anxiety and the type of procedure, sedation can range from a mild relaxed state where you remain awake and aware, to a deeper level where you may feel drowsy and remember very little of the appointment afterwards.
Sedation is not simply about being “put to sleep”. It is about reducing fear, discomfort, and stress so you can receive the dental care you need with greater confidence. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), high dental fear is considered one of the most prevalent anxiety-related conditions in Australia, making it important to address dental anxiety early before it affects long-term oral health.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is not only for people with extreme dental phobia. It can also help patients who may otherwise find it difficult to get through a dental appointment comfortably. You may benefit from dental sedation if you:
Experience dental anxiety or fear
Whether it is general unease or a deeper fear that has kept you away from the dentist for years, sedation can help you feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment without the overwhelming stress.
Have a strong gag reflex
Some patients find it difficult to tolerate instruments in their mouth without gagging, making even routine procedures uncomfortable. Sedation helps reduce this reflex, allowing your dentist to work more efficiently while you remain at ease.
Need lengthy or complex procedures
Surgical treatments, such as wisdom tooth removal, dental implants, or multiple extractions, may require extended time in the chair. Sedation makes it easier to stay comfortable throughout longer appointments without feeling restless or anxious.
Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
A negative experience during a previous visit can create lasting anxiety that carries into every future appointment. Sedation helps break that cycle by creating a calmer, more positive experience that can gradually rebuild your confidence in dental care.
Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
Whether due to a medical condition, physical discomfort, or general restlessness, staying still during treatment can be a challenge for some patients. Sedation helps you remain relaxed and settled so your dentist can focus on delivering the best care.
Undergoing multiple treatments in one visit
Sedation may allow your dentist to complete more treatment in a single session, reducing the need for multiple appointments and making the overall experience more manageable. This means fewer visits and a more comfortable overall treatment journey.
How Sedation Dentistry Helps During Surgical Procedures
Surgical dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth extractions, dental implant placements, bone grafting, or complex root canals, often involve longer appointment times and more intensive treatment compared to routine dental care. While local anaesthesia effectively numbs the surgical area, it does not always address the anxiety that can come with hearing instruments, feeling pressure, or simply knowing that a surgical procedure is taking place.
Sedation works alongside local anaesthesia to help you remain deeply relaxed throughout the procedure. Depending on the type and level of sedation used, it may reduce your awareness of the treatment and, in many cases, leave you with little to no memory of the appointment afterwards. One study found that sedation during oral surgery procedures achieved a treatment success rate of 98.2%, with 75% of patients and 91% of clinicians reporting satisfaction with the experience.
Sedation can also help the dental team carry out treatment more comfortably and efficiently. When a patient is relaxed, there may be fewer involuntary movements, a reduced gag reflex, and less stress throughout the procedure. This allows the dentist or surgeon to focus on delivering treatment with greater care and precision.
For patients who require multiple surgical treatments, sedation may also make it possible to complete more work in a single session, reducing the number of visits needed. For many people who have delayed surgical treatment due to fear, sedation can be the support that helps them finally move forward with the care they need.
How the Sedation Process Usually Works
Understanding what to expect can help ease any concerns you may have about the process. At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), the sedation process begins before the day of your procedure to help ensure the process is carefully assessed, well coordinated, and suitable for your needs.
Before your appointment
- A consultation to assess whether dental sedation is suitable for you
- Review of your medical history
- Assessment of your airway and intravenous access
- Clear pre-operative and post-operative instructions
- Guidance on fasting requirements before the procedure
- Arranging for a responsible adult to accompany you home after treatment
During the procedure
- Sedation equipment will be set up in the clinic, including oxygen, monitors, and emergency equipment
- A pre-operative check will be conducted before treatment begins
- A small cannula will be gently placed for intravenous access
- Sedation will be administered gradually, with small, tailored doses
- Your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and ECG will be continuously monitored
After the procedure
- You will be cared for during recovery until you are ready to be discharged
- Home care instructions will be explained to you and your accompanying adult
- You will need a responsible adult to take you home after the appointment
Meet Dr Barry Creighton: Dental Sedation Specialist
At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), sedation services are provided by Dr Barry Creighton, Principal of Dental Sedation Victoria. Dr Creighton is a qualified dental sedationist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney and completed a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Conscious Sedation & Pain Control), involving an additional two years of postgraduate study. He is a member of the Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology and was awarded the Australian Dental Association’s Dentistry Achievement Award in 2014 in recognition of his service to the profession. Outside of his clinical work, Dr Creighton also serves as a volunteer paramedic, reflecting his strong commitment to patient safety and emergency care.
As a visiting sedation dentist, Dr Creighton attends My Dentist Geelong (Highton) together with a registered nurse and brings the professional equipment required to provide twilight sedation within the clinic. This means suitable patients may be able to receive sedation care in the comfort of their regular dental practice, without needing to visit a hospital or unfamiliar facility for general anaesthesia. Dr Creighton works closely with Dr Vanessa Yew and the My Dentist Geelong (Highton) team to carefully plan each patient’s sedation experience, helping to ensure the procedure is well coordinated, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible.
Why Choose My Dentist Geelong (Highton) for Sedation Dentistry?
Choosing where to have sedation dentistry is about more than clinical expertise. It is also about trust, comfort, and feeling supported throughout the process. At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), Dr Vanessa Yew and her team provide professional, compassionate care in a relaxed and welcoming environment, which can make a meaningful difference when you are already feeling anxious about a dental procedure.
The clinic is QIP-accredited and a member of the Australian Dental Association, giving patients added confidence that care is delivered in line with recognised professional standards. With visiting sedation dentist Dr Barry Creighton and a team experienced in supporting anxious patients, your care can be carefully coordinated from the initial consultation through to post-operative instructions.
The practical side also matters. My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers sedation in-clinic, which means suitable patients may not need to visit a hospital or unfamiliar setting. Instead, sedation care can be provided in the same room, with the same dental team you already know.
The clinic is conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, with ample free parking available. Flexible payment options, including DentiCare and government dental benefits, are also available to help patients manage the cost of treatment. My Dentist Geelong (Highton) is also a recognised provider for a wide range of health funds, helping eligible patients make use of their existing cover.
If you have been putting off dental treatment because of anxiety, contact My Dentist Geelong (Highton) to discuss whether sedation dentistry may be suitable for you.
