Frequently asked questions

Yes. Sedation dentistry has a well-established safety record when administered by a trained clinician with appropriate monitoring equipment. Dr Sri holds a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Conscious Sedation) from the University of Sydney and monitors your vital signs continuously throughout every procedure. As with any medical procedure, there are risks — these are discussed in detail at your consultation, and a thorough medical assessment is conducted before any sedation is planned.

No — IV sedation produces a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state, not full unconsciousness. You can still breathe independently and respond to questions, but you'll be in a very calm, drowsy state. Most patients remember little or nothing of the appointment. This is different from general anaesthesia, where you are fully unconscious. The level of sedation is carefully adjusted based on your response.

It depends on the type. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of removing the mask — most patients can drive themselves home. IV sedation effects typically last 2–4 hours after the procedure, and oral sedation can last several hours. For IV and oral sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

For nitrous oxide, there are generally no fasting requirements. For IV sedation and oral sedation, you'll receive specific instructions — typically no food for six hours and no clear liquids for two hours before your appointment. These are important safety precautions.

Absolutely. This is one of the most common concerns, and it's completely understandable. We can use nitrous oxide first to help you relax before the IV is placed. Once you're calm and comfortable from the nitrous, the cannula insertion is much more manageable — most patients barely notice it. We'll never rush you.

The cost varies depending on the type of sedation, the duration of your appointment, and the dental treatment being performed. We'll provide a clear quote at your consultation before any treatment is planned. Some health funds cover a portion of sedation fees — check with your provider. We are a Defence Health dental provider.

Never. A significant number of our sedation patients haven't seen a dentist in years — sometimes decades. We understand why, and we're here to help, not to judge. Dr Sri and the team will focus on getting you comfortable and creating a plan to address your dental needs at a pace that works for you.

Nitrous oxide is safe for most children and is commonly used in paediatric dentistry. Dr Sri has specialist-level paediatric training and will assess whether sedation is appropriate for your child based on their age, medical history, and the procedure required. IV sedation for children is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Almost any dental procedure can be performed under sedation — from routine fillings and cleans to extractions, root canals, crowns, and implants. Sedation is particularly beneficial for longer or more complex procedures, as it allows us to complete more work in a single visit while you remain comfortable throughout.

With sedation (nitrous oxide, oral, or IV), you remain conscious to some degree — you can breathe on your own and respond to directions. With general anaesthesia, you are fully unconscious and require airway management. Sedation is performed in our dental practice; general anaesthesia requires a hospital setting. For most patients with dental anxiety, sedation is sufficient and much simpler.

No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book a sedation consultation. During this appointment, we'll assess your suitability for sedation, discuss your dental needs, and create a treatment plan.

Canberra Sedation Dentistry is a dedicated service of Dental Embassy — Dr Sri's established dental practice in Braddon, Canberra. When you book through this site, your appointment takes place at the Dental Embassy practice with the same experienced team and facilities.