Understanding Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. At i-Care Paediatric Dentistry, we understand that young children and some older children might find dental treatment quite difficult to cope with. We offer treatment using Nitrous Oxide sedation and treatment under General Aesthetic (at the St Andrews War Memorial Day Hospital).
Questions to Consider Before Deciding on Sedation:
- •Is your child old enough to cope with treatment in the chair?
- •What was their previous dental history?
- •Does your child require complex dental treatment?
- •How long can your child sit still in the chair?
- •How long can your child keep their mouth open?
- •Is your child able to tolerate local anaesthetic?
- •Does your child have a strong gag reflex?
- •How many teeth need treatment
- •Which option allows for the highest standard of treatment?
When Sedation May Be Recommended
High Anxiety
Children with severe dental anxiety or phobias who cannot relax during treatment.
Complex Procedures
Lengthy or complex dental procedures that require the child to remain still for extended periods.
Special Needs
Children with special healthcare needs who may have difficulty cooperating during treatment.
Multiple Treatments
When multiple procedures need to be completed in a single visit for efficiency and comfort.
Our Sedation Options
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
How It Works
Nitrous oxide also known as Laughing gas is a form of sedation that is particularly useful to alleviate anxiety in older children for simple procedures of short duration. A certain degree of patient co-operation is required for this technique to be successful. Using a special mask that fits over the nose, your child will inhale nitrous oxide. The gas will begin to work within a few minutes and often gives a relaxed feeling.
Best For
- • Older children who can cooperate
- • Simple procedures of short duration
- • Alleviating anxiety in dental procedures
- • Children who can follow instructions
Safety & Effectiveness
Nitrous oxide is effective, safe, and the effects are reversed quickly at the completion of treatment. Your child will be monitored throughout the procedure.
General Anaesthetic Fees
Treatment under general anaesthetic will incur three main costs:
Dental Treatment Fee
Payable directly to i-Care Paediatric Dentistry
Hospital Fee
Payable directly to the hospital
Anaesthetist Fee
Payable directly to the anaesthetic group
Important Payment Information
• You will be provided with the contact details for the hospital as well as the anaesthetic group.
• Please get in touch with the hospital and the anaesthetic groups directly to confirm fees payable.
• The hospital and anaesthetic fees are payable prior to surgery.
Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation & Estimate
At the initial comprehensive consultation, you will be provided with a treatment plan estimate (with health fund item numbers). Please be aware that the treatment is an estimate only and can vary depending on what is found at the time of the general anaesthetic.
📋 Important: If radiographs are to be taken at the time of the surgery, a change in the treatment plan is more likely.
Payment Adjustments
• Extra treatment needed: Additional payment due on the following business day after surgery
• Less treatment required: You will be reimbursed the difference in cost
Required Paperwork
• Information sheets
• Consent forms
• Surgery location and timing details
• Pre-operative instructions
Our Support Process
If your child requires treatment under general anaesthetic, our staff will go through the required paperwork, including information sheet, consents, and information about where and when the surgery will be undertaken.
Booking your child's theatre date
Required Deposit
To book your child's spot at hospital, a non-refundable $300 deposit is taken.
Payment options: Credit card (in person or over the phone) or Direct Debit
Payment Timeline
The remaining Dental Treatment Fee is payable 07 days prior to surgery
If Your Child Becomes Unwell
Please let us know immediately, and we can organise to reschedule your child's theatre date
Important Payment Policy
If the full payment is not received 07 days prior to surgery, your child's theatre date will be rescheduled even if the $300 deposit has been paid
Private Health Insurance
If your child holds private health insurance, please get in touch with your health fund if you would like to know how much they will reimburse.
Treatment Plan Codes
Your child's treatment plan has the codes you need to provide to your health fund
e.g. 022, 111, 121
'Extras' Cover
Will pay towards the dental treatment
'Hospital' Cover
Will contribute towards the hospital fee
💡 Money-Saving Tip
Some health funds do not charge an excess when children are admitted to hospital, so it is worth checking with your health fund.
Claims Process
Once your child has had the dental treatment completed, an invoice will be emailed to you. You can then use this invoice to claim your rebate through your health fund.
Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS)
⚠️ Important Limitation
Unfortunately the CDBS scheme does not contribute towards any dental treatment undertaken at the hospital.
Questions?
Going to hospital with your child can be a stressful and overwhelming process. We hope to make it as easy and straightforward as possible.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.