10 September 2025

Sleep Dentistry Options at Renew Dental Lounge

Dr Sharon Millist thumbnail image

Dr Sharon Millist

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We offer happy gas and twilight sedation options

At Renew Dental Lounge in Mount Gravatt, we believe dentistry should feel calm, supportive, and stress-free. For many people, dental anxiety is the biggest barrier to achieving a healthy smile. That’s why we offer sleep dentistry options—ranging from gentle nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) to IV sedation and hospital-based general anaesthesia—so you can receive the care you need in total comfort.

Why We Take Dental Anxiety Seriously

Avoiding dental care due to fear or anxiety is common. For some patients, this can lead to delayed treatment, worsening dental problems, and the need for more complex procedures later on. Our team takes the time to understand your concerns, explain every step, and provide options to help you feel at ease. For many of our patients, knowing that sedation is available is enough to make booking that first appointment feel less daunting.

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry refers to the use of sedation techniques that reduce anxiety and help patients feel calm—or even sleep—throughout dental treatment. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may remain conscious and relaxed, or you may be fully asleep in a hospital environment.

At Renew Dental Lounge, we offer:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas) – Gentle and Affordable

Our newest and most popular option, nitrous oxide (happy gas), is a safe and effective way to manage dental anxiety.

  • Delivered through a small mask placed over your nose
  • Helps you feel light, calm, and relaxed within minutes
  • Wears off quickly after treatment, so you can drive home safely
  • Suitable for both adults and children
  • A cost-effective way to make your visit more enjoyable
  • Can be requested on the day of treatment though prior discussion is advised as we usually need to add an additional 30 minutes to treatment time.

For many of our patients, happy gas has been life-changing. One gentleman who used to avoid the dentist altogether became a happy regular through a long root canal treatment—all thanks to the comfort and calm that nitrous oxide provided. Now, he chooses it every visit as a matter of course.

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2. IV Sedation (Twilight Dentistry)

For patients with severe dental anxiety or those needing longer, more complex procedures, IV sedation may be a better fit.

  • Administered by our visiting specialist anaesthetist
  • Places you in a deeply relaxed, dream-like state
  • You remain responsive, but most patients don’t remember the procedure afterwards
  • Allows multiple treatments to be completed in one session

Please note: Our anaesthetist provides IV sedation as a separate medical service, so fees are billed directly. This option is more expensive than nitrous oxide, but it offers a higher level of relaxation for patients who need it. This option MUST be arranged prior to treatment to coordinate availability with the visiting anaesthetist.

3. General Anaesthesia (Hospital Setting)

For highly complex dental cases or patients unable to tolerate treatment in a dental chair, we work closely with a highly regarded Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team. Treatment under general anaesthetic is carried out in a hospital environment, where you will be fully unconscious.

This option is usually reserved for:

  • Full mouth rehabilitation
  • Patients with significant medical or physical needs

Who Can Benefit from Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry may be ideal for:

  • Adults or children with dental phobia or anxiety
  • Patients needing oral surgery, dental implants, root canals, or other complex treatments
  • Those with special medical, physical, or emotional needs
  • Patients wishing to complete multiple procedures in one stress-free appointment

Is Sleep Dentistry Expensive?

The cost of sedation depends on the type chosen and the length of treatment. At Renew Dental Lounge, we make comfort accessible:

  • Nitrous oxide (happy gas): affordable, billed per appointment
  • IV sedation: billed separately by our visiting anaesthetist, higher cost
  • General anaesthetic: hospital-based, billed privately by the surgical and anaesthetic team

We also accept all health funds with on-the-spot claiming througyh HICAPS, offer flexible payment plans, and can assist with SuperCare applications for early release of superannuation to cover eligible dental treatments.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

From the moment you step into Renew Dental Lounge, our goal is to help you feel safe and supported. Whether you choose happy gas, IV sedation, or general anaesthetic, we’ll walk you through your options, treatment plans, timelines, and costs so you feel informed and confident.

Don’t let fear hold you back from achieving the smile you deserve. With sleep dentistry in Mount Gravatt, you can finally get the care you need—in complete comfort.

📍 Visit us at Renew Dental Lounge, Mount Gravatt, and take the first step towards stress-free dentistry.

FAQ: Sleep Dentistry

Q: Is happy gas safe for children?

Yes. Nitrous oxide is safe, gentle, and commonly used for children who feel nervous about dental treatment.

Q: How quickly does nitrous oxide wear off?

The effects wear off within minutes, so you can safely drive yourself home after treatment.

Q: Do I need someone to accompany me for IV sedation?

Yes. After IV sedation, you will feel drowsy and need someone to drive you home.

Q: Can Medicare cover sleep dentistry?

Medicare does not generally cover sedation in dental practices, but private health funds may provide rebates depending on your level of cover.

Q: How do I know which sedation option is right for me?

During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history, level of anxiety, and treatment needs to help you decide the best option.

Book an appointment today

At Renew Dental Lounge in Upper Mount Gravatt, we're redefining what it feels like to visit the dentist. If you're searching for a dentist in Mt Gravatt, we're here to help you feel at home in your smile. From gentle family dental check-ups, emergency dentist treatment, through to cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening, veneers and dental implants, every visit is built on trust, compassion and excellence.

Patients looking for a dentist in Brisbane southside (Upper Mt Gravatt, Mount Gravatt, Mansfield and Mount Gravatt East) choose us for our spa-like environment, advanced technology and human-centred care that eases anxiety and transforms confidence. No matter where you're starting from, we'll meet you exactly where you are, supporting you with clear advice and personalised treatment options. Book an appointment today.