SLEEP
DENTISTRY

At Dentistry by Design, we offer expert and compassionate dental care. Our team specialises in advanced treatments like sleep dentistry, providing a comfortable and stress-free experience for patients​​. We’re dedicated to your well-being, ensuring you feel at ease and informed throughout your journey with us. Choose Dentistry by Design for a dental experience that truly puts your needs first.
And Relax...

Sleep Dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. While sometimes referred to as “sedation dentistry”, patients are usually awake, with the exception of those under general anaesthesia. 

What types of
sedation are used?

TWILIGHT SEDATION

Twilight sedation is a safe modern technique that takes the anxiety out of dentistry and makes the dental treatment a very pleasant experience. It is suitable for all types of dental treatment including wisdom teeth extraction, implant surgery and for anxious or nervous patients. It can mean that more dentistry can be done in one session, therefore saving the patient time.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR TWILIGHT SEDATION?

It’s suitable for most patients, however, if you are not in good health or are taking prescribed medications, it’s important to be assessed for your individual suitability for this type of sedation. The sedation is administered by a qualified medical sedationist. 

HOW DOES IT FEEL?

You become very relaxed and drowsy and the dental treatment can be carried out quite comfortably. The sedative agents produce amnesia, so it seems that you have been asleep for most of the treatment; however, you have merely been sedated and are not unconscious, as you would be under a general anaesthetic. 

HAPPY GAS

Happy gas is a type of inhaled minimal sedation. It is a mixture of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen and is an excellent gas for dental procedures, especially for nervous patients. It promotes relaxation and allows our patients to be more comfortable for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is also short acting so once it has stopped being administered its effects wear off very quickly. 

ORAL SEDATION

Depending on the dose given, oral sedation can be minimal or moderate. It usually involves taking one or two tablets of Valium or another muscle relaxant 30-60 minutes before your appointment. This allows patients to be much more relaxed and at ease about their dental treatment. You can request oral sedation for any of your appointments, provided you do not have any medical condition that would deem you unsuitable. 

PENTHROX

Penthrox, also known as the green whistle, is similar to happy gas but is handheld and allows the patient to control how much they want to inhale.

It works well for dental appointments as it can be inhaled before and during the procedure for pain relief and relaxation.

It is safe, reliable, and suitable for most patients. 

Sleep dentistry FAQs

Your sedation doctor will administer just enough sedation for you to be completely unaware of the treatment – as if you were asleep.

Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.

Most patients experience no discomfort whatsoever during treatment and feel well afterwards.

Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.

Oral sleep dentistry protocols have been used safely for 30 years. Our sedation doctor will review your medical history and monitor you closely while under sedation.

Do you have any more questions? We’re here to help. Contact us.

Side effects of sleep dentistry vary depending on the type of sedation used but can include dizziness, dry mouth, and minor nausea or headache immediately after the procedure. In general, these side effects are temporary and should resolve on their own within a few hours. If you have any concerns about potential side effects, please discuss them with your dentist or sedation provider before your procedure.

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of sedation used. For lighter sedation methods, such as nitrous oxide, you may feel normal immediately after your procedure and be able to return to your normal activities. For heavier sedation methods, such as oral sedation or general anaesthesia, you may need someone to drive you home and you may want to rest for the remainder of the day.

Coverage for sleep dentistry varies widely depending on your insurance provider and your specific policy. Some insurance plans cover sleep dentistry for certain procedures or for patients with documented anxiety or phobias. It is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider before your procedure to understand your coverage.

Dentists are trained in the safe administration of NITROUS OXIDE (Happy gas) sedation for patients of all ages, and the doses and methods used are carefully tailored to the size and needs of the child. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, and it’s important to discuss these with your child’s dentist before the procedure.

Your dentist will work with you to determine the most appropriate type of sedation for your specific needs and circumstances. This decision is typically based on the nature of the procedure being performed, your overall health, any medications you are taking, and your level of anxiety or discomfort. In many cases, patients do have a say in the type of sedation used.

Absolutely. If you have a fear of needles, let your dentist know, as there are options for sedation that do not involve needles. For example, nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is inhaled, and oral sedation involves taking a pill. Your comfort and safety are our highest priorities, and we will work with you to find a sedation method that suits your needs and helps make your dental visit as stress-free as possible.

Take the anxiety out of dentistry

If you think you might need a little help relaxing during your next appointment, you can discuss sleep dentistry options with our expert dental staff. 

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Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Catherine George

Oral Health Therapist

Catherine completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.

She is passionate about making her patients feel more comfortable in a dental setting.

Catherine is enthusiastic about Oral Health promotion and strongly believes in preventative dentistry.

She is dedicated to educating her patients on the best oral health care.

She loves seeing a smile on other people’s faces and would love to see you with a happy and healthy smile.

When she is not at work she enjoys the outdoors, playing soccer and beach volley.

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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