What's the difference between IV sedation and general anaesthesia?

IV sedation is a deeper level of sedation in which the patient is largely unconscious but breathing independently. General anaesthesia is a deeper level still, with airway support equipment in place; it is more often used for children, anxious patients, or for longer surgical procedures. The treating anaesthetist recommends the level that is clinically appropriate.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

Sleep dentistry is performed by a qualified medical anaesthetist, with monitoring throughout the procedure. As with any medical procedure, there are risks. A pre-anaesthetic assessment reviews your medical history and identifies any factors that may affect suitability. Outcomes and risks vary between individuals — your anaesthetist will discuss yours with you specifically.

Will I remember anything from the procedure?

Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure. Individual responses vary — some patients recall fragments of waking up in recovery, others recall nothing from the moment the medication began until they were home.

What do I need to do before and after the appointment?

Before: you'll be given fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for several hours beforehand) and any medication adjustments. After: a responsible adult must drive you home and ideally stay with you for several hours. You should not drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for the rest of the day. Light activity for 24 hours is advised.

Is sleep dentistry suitable for children?

It can be suitable for children who are unable to tolerate routine dental care, after a clinical assessment. General anaesthesia is more commonly used for paediatric cases. The decision is made jointly by the dentist, the anaesthetist and the child's parents or guardians — and it is never the only option discussed.

Is sleep dentistry covered by health funds or Medicare?

Coverage varies between health funds and individual policies. Some private health funds rebate part of the anaesthetist and facility fees. The dental treatment itself is generally claimable under dental cover. Our team can provide an itemised treatment plan to help you check with your fund. Ask us about payment plan options as well.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with Norlane Dental, where we will discuss whether sleep dentistry may be a suitable option for you and arrange the pre-anaesthetic review.

Sleep Dentistry · Geelong

Sleep Dentistry for Adults and Children.

Sleep dentistry options for adults and children who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or find dental treatment difficult to manage. IV sedation and general anaesthesia are available through Geelong Sleep Dentistry, with your trusted Norlane dentist supporting your care throughout the treatment journey.

Request a consultation

Call Us (03) 5278 2666

est. 1974 Four generations of care Independent & family-led Norlane · Geelong Postgraduate implant training Sedation pathway est. 1974 Four generations of care Independent & family-led Norlane · Geelong Postgraduate implant training Sedation pathway

The two levels

IV sedation, or general anaesthesia.

Sleep dentistry isn't a single thing. There are two distinct depths, and the right choice depends on the patient, the procedure, and the anaesthetist's clinical judgement.

Level One

IV Sedation

For adults · Most common option

Sedative medication is delivered through a small cannula in the arm. You drift into a state of deep relaxation in which you are largely unconscious but still breathing independently. Vital signs are monitored throughout.

May be suitable for many adult procedures
Typically a faster recovery than general anaesthesia
Patient breathes independently
Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure

Level Two

General Anaesthesia

For children, anxious patients & complex cases

A deeper level of sedation, with airway-support equipment in place. Often considered for paediatric patients who can't tolerate routine treatment, anxious adult patients for whom IV sedation is not the appropriate option, or for longer surgical procedures such as multiple implant placements.

Often considered for children
An option for highly anxious adult patients
Used for longer surgical procedures
Airway support equipment in place; recovery monitored in a dedicated area

Sedation level is determined by the treating anaesthetist after reviewing your medical history and the planned dental treatment. Outcomes and risks vary between individuals.

Your appointment

From first call to follow-up.

Sleep dentistry involves more steps than a routine appointment — there are two clinical teams working together. Here's how it generally runs.

01.

Consultation

Initial consultation

You meet your Norlane dentist. We discuss your concerns, what treatment is needed, and whether sleep dentistry may be a suitable option for you. No commitment.

02.

Review

Pre-anaesthetic review

Geelong Sleep Dentistry's anaesthetist reviews your medical history. Fasting and medication instructions are provided. Suitability is confirmed.

03.

Treatment

Treatment day

You attend the Geelong Sleep Dentistry facility. Your dentist and the anaesthetist are both present. The treatment is completed while you sleep.

04.

Recovery

Recovery & follow-up

You wake in recovery, are monitored until stable, and discharged to a responsible adult. A follow-up appointment is scheduled at our Norlane practice.

Geelong Sleep Dentistry · Day Procedure Suite

The facility

In partnership with Geelong Sleep Dentistry.

Sleep dentistry treatment for our patients is delivered at Geelong Sleep Dentistry, a dedicated facility within the Geelong Healthcare Precinct. It is a purpose-built environment with on-site anaesthetic and recovery teams.

Your dentist from Norlane Dental is alongside you for the entire procedure. Continuity of clinical care matters — the person who plans your treatment is the person who carries it out.

facility

Geelong Sleep Dentistry

Within the Geelong Healthcare Precinct

Anaesthesia delivered by

Qualified medical anaesthetist

Monitored throughout the procedure

Your dentist

Norlane Dental clinical team

Present for the full procedure

Who it may suit

Sleep dentistry can be considered for patients who…

Suitability is always determined after a clinical and medical assessment. The list below is a guide to the kinds of situations where sleep dentistry is often raised as an option.

Live with significant dental anxiety

For whom even routine appointments cause distress, despite previous attempts with reassurance or happy gas.

Need extensive treatment

Where multiple appointments would otherwise be required — for example, several implant placements or a full-arch reconstruction.

Have had difficult past experiences

Where previous dental visits have left a lasting reluctance to return, regardless of how recent or distant.

Are children unable to tolerate care

Younger patients for whom routine appointments or local anaesthetic alone are not workable, after a paediatric-aware assessment.

Have medical or special needs

Where conditions affect the ability to remain still, follow instructions, or tolerate the dental setting comfortably.

Have a strong gag reflex

That makes routine examination, impressions or longer treatments difficult to complete.

1974

Practice founded

Four generations of Geelong dentistry — independently owned. Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants has been part of this community for over 50 years.

About the practice

Often combined with

Treatments where sleep dentistry is frequently considered.

Sleep dentistry isn't a procedure on its own — it's a way of delivering other treatments. These are the most common categories where it comes up.

01.

Implants

Dental Implants under sedation

Single or multiple implant placements may be carried out under IV sedation or general anaesthesia where appropriate.

Implants page

02.

All-on-X

Full-arch reconstruction

All-on-4 and All-on-X procedures are longer surgical appointments and are commonly delivered under sedation for patient comfort.

All-on-X page

03.

Anxiety

Dental anxiety management

For patients with significant anxiety, sleep dentistry is one of several options we discuss — it isn't always the first or only answer.

Dental fear page

04.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom tooth extraction

Where multiple wisdom teeth need removal, or where surgical extraction is required, sleep dentistry may be considered.

Wisdom teeth page

05.

Children

Children's dentistry under GA

For children unable to tolerate routine care, general anaesthesia at Geelong Sleep Dentistry is sometimes the appropriate path forward.

Children's dentistry page

06.

Lighter options

Happy gas (nitrous oxide)

For mild anxiety, happy gas is a much lighter alternative — no fasting, no recovery, and you can drive home afterwards.

Happy gas page

Frequently asked

The questions we hear most.

These are the genuine questions Geelong patients ask before booking a sleep dentistry consultation. If yours isn't here, call us — there are no awkward questions.

View All FAQs

Begin the conversation

A consultation costs nothing but the conversation.

Talk to our team about whether sleep dentistry may be a suitable option for you or your child. No referral required. No commitment.

Request a consultation

Call (03) 5278 2666

Location

Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants

21 Princes Highway
Norlane VIC 3214

Direct line

(03) 5278 2666

Reception accepts sleep dentistry enquiries

Hours

Mon – Thu · 8:30am – 6:30pm
Fri · 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat · 8:30am – 4:00pm

Parking

Ample free on-site parking

Sleep dentistry treatment is performed at the Geelong Sleep Dentistry facility

Important information

Please read before booking

The information on this page is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice and does not constitute a diagnosis, treatment plan, or recommendation.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Sedation and general anaesthesia carry their own risks, separate from the dental procedure itself. Risks and benefits should be discussed with your dentist and the treating anaesthetist before you proceed.
Suitability for sleep dentistry — and the appropriate level of sedation — is determined on an individual basis, after a clinical and medical assessment.
Outcomes vary between patients. Recovery times, individual responses to medication, and clinical results are not the same for everyone.
No outcome is guaranteed. Sleep dentistry is one of several treatment delivery options; it may not be appropriate for every patient or every procedure.
Before proceeding with any treatment, you are entitled to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Any cost figures, rebate amounts, or health-fund coverage details discussed in consultation are estimates only and may vary depending on your individual policy and clinical circumstances.

This page does not contain testimonials about clinical outcomes, before-and-after clinical photography, or claims of guaranteed results, in line with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Dental Board of Australia advertising guidelines for regulated health services. The image of the Geelong Sleep Dentistry day procedure suite shows the facility only and does not depict any patient or clinical procedure.