Sleep Dentistry for Patients — General Anaesthetic in Ballarat
All Your Dentistry Done While You Sleep. All in One Day.
At Ballarat Family Dental, we offer on-site general anaesthetic dentistry meaning you can have all your dental work completed in a single visit, while completely asleep, right here at our practice. No hospital. No day procedure centre. No multiple appointments.
Our sleep dentistry is performed by qualified anaesthetists - not sedationists. This is an important distinction: a qualified anaesthetist can administer true general anaesthesia, the deepest and safest form of sedation available. Most dental practices that offer "sleep dentistry" use sedationists, which provides a lighter level of sedation only. At Ballarat Family Dental, you are fully asleep.
Ballarat's Leading On-Site General Anaesthetic Dental Facility
Our purpose-built GA facility is equipped with state-of-the-art anaesthetic equipment and is designed specifically for dental procedures under general anaesthetic — for both adults and children. Every aspect of the facility reflects our commitment to safety, comfort, and clinical excellence.
Who Can Benefit from Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is suitable for a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate if you:
Experience dental anxiety or fear of the dentist
Have had a past traumatic dental experience
Are unable to tolerate local anaesthetics
Have a strong gag reflex that makes dental treatment difficult
Have a physical or cognitive disability that makes it hard to cooperate in the chair
Require extensive treatment across multiple teeth and want it completed in one visit
Are a young child who is unable to cooperate with dental treatment
Sleep dentistry at our practice is suitable for patients aged 5 to 75. Outside this age range, general anaesthetic dental treatment is best performed in a hospital setting — our team can advise and refer accordingly if this applies to you or your child.
Procedures Commonly Performed Under General Anaesthetic
Sleep dentistry can be used for virtually any dental procedure. Common treatments include:
Extractions and wisdom tooth removal — including complex surgical extractions
Fillings — for patients who find the drill distressing, or children requiring multiple fillings
Root canals — for patients who find this procedure particularly anxiety-inducing
Crowns and bridges — including same-day CEREC crowns
Gum surgery — periodontal procedures requiring extended treatment time
Children's dentistry — multiple teeth treated in a single visit, sparing children from repeated appointments and negative experiences
Implants — full placement procedures completed comfortably in one session
Full-mouth rehabilitation — extensive treatment across multiple teeth completed in one day
What to Expect on the Day
Before your appointment
You will be given specific fasting instructions prior to your appointment. It is essential these are followed carefully for your safety. You will also need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive after a general anaesthetic.
At the practice
On arrival, you will be welcomed by our team and settled in. Our anaesthetist will review your health history, confirm your treatment plan, and answer any final questions before administering the anaesthetic. Once you are fully asleep, your dental treatment will be completed by your dentist.
Recovery
After your procedure, you will be monitored in our recovery area until you are ready to leave. Most patients are able to go home within a few hours of their procedure. You will need to rest for the remainder of the day and should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic.
Alternative: Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Not every patient needs full general anaesthetic. For patients who experience mild to moderate anxiety, or who simply want to feel more relaxed during a routine procedure, we also offer nitrous oxide (happy gas) inhaled through a comfortable mask, it takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast, meaning you can drive yourself home afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is general anaesthetic safe for dental procedures?
Yes, when administered by a qualified anaesthetist in a purpose-built facility, general anaesthetic is safe and well-tolerated. At Ballarat Family Dental, our GA is performed by qualified anaesthetists (not sedationists), to the same clinical standard used in hospital settings.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic, so please arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.
How long will I be at the practice?
This depends on how much treatment is being completed. Your care team will give you a clearer time estimate at your consultation, but most patients should allow a half to full day.
Can my child have GA dental treatment at your practice?
Yes — sleep dentistry at our practice is available for children aged 5 and above. For children under 5, GA dental treatment is best performed in a hospital setting, and our team can advise and refer if needed.
What if I am over 75?
For patients over 75, general anaesthetic dental treatment is safest when performed in a hospital environment. Our team will discuss your options and refer you to the appropriate facility if this applies to you.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed — you can contact us directly to book a consultation to discuss whether sleep dentistry is right for you.