IV Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation, often called twilight sedation, uses medication given through a small drip in your hand or arm to help you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment. At Avenue Dental, you’re assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist before treatment, and monitored by the anaesthetist team throughout. It’s often considered for wisdom teeth removal, dental implants and longer appointments.
Sedation is a medical procedure and carries risks. Not everyone is suitable. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read about treatment risks.
What is twilight sedation?
Twilight sedation is IV sedation. Sedative medication is given through a small cannula in your hand or arm, so you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy.
You’re not fully asleep, as you would be with a general anaesthetic. You’ll usually still be able to respond, but you may drift in and out and feel as though time passes quickly.
Many people remember little or nothing of their treatment afterwards. That’s because the medication can affect how memories form while it’s working.
Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the area being treated. The sedation helps you feel calm, and the local anaesthetic manages the feeling in your mouth.
What does IV sedation feel like?
Everyone responds differently, and the level of sedation is adjusted for you. Here’s what people commonly notice.
During
How drowsy you’ll be
Deeply relaxed and sleepy. You may feel heavy or calm, and less aware of what’s happening around you.
Memory
Why you may remember little
The medication can stop new memories forming clearly, so many people recall little of their treatment.
After
How long it lasts
You rest at the practice until you’re ready to go home, and may feel drowsy for the rest of the day.
Getting home
You can’t drive
Someone needs to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
This is general information only. How IV sedation affects you can vary, and your dentist and anaesthetist explain what to expect before your appointment.
How much does IV sedation cost?
The anaesthetist’s fee for IV sedation is charged separately from your dental treatment and quoted per hour, based on how long your appointment is expected to take. You’ll get a written quote for both before you go ahead.
Your quote
Find out what IV sedation would cost for you
Ask for item numbers with your quote, so you can check with Medicare and your health fund.
What affects the cost
- Appointment length
- The treatment you’re having
- The anaesthetist’s fee
Interest-free payment plans
Spread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. Approval and terms are assessed by each provider.
Health funds
Dental treatment is claimed on your extras cover as usual. Some funds contribute to anaesthetist fees, depending on the treatment.
Medicare
Some anaesthetist services attract a Medicare rebate, depending on the treatment. Ask for item numbers with your quote.
Dental treatment for adults generally isn’t covered by Medicare. Fees are quoted individually and depend on your appointment length and treatment plan.
Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist
Monitored by the anaesthetist team
Available in every region
Someone takes you home
Payment plans available
Where is IV sedation available?
IV sedation is offered in every region. Choose your area to see the sedation options at your nearest Avenue Dental practice.
IV sedation
Sunshine Coast
IV sedation is available at selected Sunshine Coast practices.
Sleep dentistry Sunshine Coast →
IV sedation
Brisbane
IV sedation is available at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.
Sleep dentistry Brisbane →
IV sedation
Melbourne
IV sedation is available at Brunswick.
Sleep dentistry Melbourne →
IV sedation
Adelaide
IV sedation is available at Fulham Gardens.
Sleep dentistry Adelaide →
When IV sedation may be considered
IV sedation isn’t right for everyone. Your dentist and anaesthetist review your medical history, medications and treatment to work out whether it’s suitable for you.
Wisdom teeth removal
Often considered when several wisdom teeth are being removed, or they’re impacted.
Dental implants
Can help you feel more relaxed during implant surgery, from a single implant to a full arch.
Several treatments in one visit
May allow more treatment to be done in one longer appointment, rather than several shorter ones.
IV sedation may also be considered for higher dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex. If you’re pregnant, or have a medical condition or take regular medications, let your dentist know at your consultation.
Our Sleep Dentistry Services Include
How IV sedation works, step by step
Your IV sedation is planned around your health and your treatment. Here’s what to expect from your first appointment to going home.
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1
Consultation and assessment
Your dentist reviews your medical history, medications and treatment, and an anaesthetist assesses whether IV sedation is suitable for you. You’ll get a written quote, including the anaesthetist’s fee.
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2
Instructions and fasting
The anaesthetist gives you exact instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, and what to do about your usual medications. If these can’t be followed on the day, your appointment may need to be moved.
Before your appointment
- Fasting times
- Your usual medications
- Comfortable clothing
- An adult to take you home
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3
On the day
A small cannula is placed in your hand or arm, and the sedation is given and monitored by the anaesthetist team. Your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored throughout, and local anaesthetic numbs the area being treated.
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4
Recovery at the practice
After treatment, you rest at the practice while the sedation starts to wear off, until you’re ready to go home.
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5
Going home
Your support person takes you home and stays with you for the rest of the day. You can’t drive, and you’ll get aftercare advice for the next 24 hours.
Sedation is a medical procedure and carries risks. Not everyone is suitable. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read about treatment risks.
IV sedation or general anaesthetic?
A general overview of how IV (twilight) sedation compares with general anaesthetic. Which option is appropriate for you depends on your medical history, your health and the treatment you need.
| Question | IV (twilight) sedation | General anaesthetic |
|---|---|---|
| How awake you may be | Usually deeply relaxed and drowsy, and you may remember little | Fully asleep |
| Who gives it | Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team | Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team |
| Where | Every region | Our Maroochydore practice, which has a dedicated general anaesthetic facility |
| How it’s charged | The anaesthetist’s fee is quoted per hour | The anaesthetist’s fee is quoted per hour |
| Recovery | Rest at the practice, then drowsy for the rest of the day | Recover at the practice, then rest for the day |
| Getting home | You can’t drive. Someone takes you home and stays with you | You can’t drive. Someone takes you home and stays with you |
This is general information only and isn’t medical advice. Your dentist and anaesthetist assess which option, if any, is right for you. About general anaesthetic →
Other sedation options
If IV sedation isn’t the right fit, your dentist talks you through what may suit you instead.
Lighter option
Happy gas
Given by your dentist. You stay awake and relaxed.
Find out more →
Tablet option
Oral sedation
A tablet prescribed by your dentist, taken before your appointment.
Find out more →
Fully asleep
General anaesthetic
Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team at our Maroochydore practice.
Find out more →
All options
Compare sedation
See how all four sedation options compare.
Find out more →
How IV sedation can help
- Calmer, more comfortable treatment: IV sedation puts you into a deeply relaxed state, so treatment that might otherwise feel overwhelming becomes far more manageable. You stay comfortable while the anaesthetist looks after your sedation and your dentist gets on with the work.
- A real option for dental anxiety: If fear or phobia has been keeping you from the dentist, IV sedation can make it possible to get the treatment you’ve been putting off, without the dread.
- More done in fewer visits: Because you’re relaxed and settled, several procedures can often be completed in a single appointment — which can mean fewer trips back to the chair.
IV sedation is a medical procedure that carries risks as well as benefits. Not everyone is a suitable candidate — suitability depends on your general health, medical history, medications, and the treatment you need, and is assessed on an individual basis. IV sedation is administered and monitored by a qualified anaesthetist. This information is general in nature and intended for adults; it is not a substitute for personalised advice. Your suitability, and the risks and benefits for your circumstances, must be assessed and discussed with your dentist and anaesthetist before treatment. Read more on our Treatment Risks page.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
IV sedation FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer anything else at your consultation.
What is twilight sedation?
Twilight sedation is another name for IV sedation. Sedative medication is given through a small cannula in your hand or arm, so you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. You’re not fully asleep, as you would be with a general anaesthetic.
Is IV sedation the same as twilight sedation?
Yes. IV sedation and twilight sedation are two names for the same type of sedation, given through a drip in your hand or arm.
Will I be asleep during IV sedation?
Not fully. You’ll usually feel deeply relaxed and drowsy and may drift in and out, but you can usually still respond. If you need to be fully asleep, your dentist may discuss general anaesthetic.
Will I remember my treatment?
Many people remember little or nothing of their treatment, because the medication can affect how memories form while it’s working. Everyone responds differently.
Who gives IV sedation at Avenue Dental?
You’re assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist before treatment, and the IV sedation is monitored by the anaesthetist team throughout your appointment.
Do I need to fast before IV sedation?
Yes. The anaesthetist gives you exact instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, and what to do about your usual medications. If these can’t be followed, your appointment may need to be moved.
Can I drive after IV sedation?
No. You can’t drive after IV sedation. Someone needs to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
How long does IV sedation take to wear off?
You rest at the practice until you’re ready to go home, and you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day. Your dentist gives you aftercare advice for the next 24 hours.
Is IV sedation safe?
Every type of sedation carries some risk. Before treatment, your dentist and an anaesthetist assess your medical history and medications, and your breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored throughout your appointment.
How much does IV sedation cost?
The anaesthetist’s fee is charged separately from your dental treatment and quoted per hour, based on your expected appointment length. Some anaesthetist services attract a Medicare rebate and some health funds contribute, so ask for item numbers with your quote.
What’s the difference between IV sedation and general anaesthetic?
With IV sedation you’re deeply relaxed but not fully asleep, and it’s available in every region. With general anaesthetic you’re fully asleep, and it’s offered at our Maroochydore practice. For both, you’re assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team.
Can I have IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal?
IV sedation is often considered for wisdom teeth removal, especially when several teeth are being removed or they’re impacted. Your dentist and anaesthetist assess whether it’s suitable for you.
