Our principal dentist Dr Vincent Wan has been featured in Australasian Dentist magazine for his work in orthodontic aligner treatment. Read the full case study to learn about the results he achieved for his patient.
Read Case StudyOur principal dentist Dr Vincent Wan has been featured in Australasian Dentist magazine for his work in orthodontic aligner treatment. Read the full case study to learn about the results he achieved for his patient.
Read Case Study
Nervous about dental treatment? You're in the right place. We offer Penthrox inhaler and oral sedation for any procedure — and our whole approach is built around making anxious patients feel safe.
Temporary Relocation
Our Queen Street practice (opposite the Uptown car park) is undergoing repairs after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Dr Vincent, Dr Allen and Dr Jenny are currently seeing patients at First Dental Studio, Level 1, 245 Albert St, Brisbane CBD — about 10 minutes from our usual location.
You're not alone — and you don't have to white-knuckle it through your appointment
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off treatment — sometimes for years. It's not just a minor inconvenience: avoiding the dentist allows small problems to become serious ones, and the longer the gap between visits, the more treatment is needed when you finally come in. That in itself makes anxiety worse.
At Central Brisbane Dental, we see nervous patients every day. We don't judge, we don't rush, and we don't make you feel bad about how long it's been since your last visit. Our job is to make you feel safe enough to get the care you need — and keep coming back.
We offer two forms of conscious sedation — both keep you awake but relaxed
The modern version of happy gas. You breathe through a handheld inhaler — and you're in control of how much you take. Fast-acting and fast to wear off.
A script for diazepam (Valium) tablets. One tablet the night before helps you sleep, and one on the morning of your appointment takes the edge off. You arrive already calm.
What "Conscious Sedation" Means
Both options are classified as conscious sedation — you stay awake throughout treatment, but you're relaxed and much less aware of what's happening. You can still respond to instructions, communicate if you need to stop, and breathe normally. This is different from IV sedation (twilight) or full general anaesthetic, which we refer to specialists for.
Sedation is one tool — the whole visit is designed around your comfort
For many nervous patients, the anxiety comes from feeling out of control — not knowing exactly what will happen, or feeling like you can't stop it. We address this directly. Before any treatment begins, we explain everything in plain language. You know what's coming at each step. If you need a break, you get one — just raise your hand.
The goal is for every appointment to be slightly less stressful than the last. Most patients who come to us convinced they'll never be comfortable at the dentist find that after a few visits, the anxiety reduces significantly. The first visit is the hardest.
A Note on Pain-Free Dentistry
Most people who avoid the dentist fear pain. The reality is that modern dentistry is largely pain-free. Small fillings can often be done without any injection at all — the burs are small enough that patients don't feel them. Larger work is done under local anaesthetic. The last thing we want is for you to feel anything unexpected.
Download our guide to sedation options, what to expect, and how to prepare for your appointment.
Download PDFConscious sedation covers almost everyone — but some cases need more
For the large majority of anxious patients, Penthrox inhaler or oral sedation combined with local anaesthetic is completely sufficient. You stay comfortable and awake, and all routine treatment — fillings, extractions, wisdom teeth, root canals — can be completed safely.
For patients with severe dental phobia, significant intellectual disability, or complex medical conditions where even conscious sedation isn't enough, we can refer to a specialist for twilight sedation (IV sedation) or treatment under full general anaesthetic in hospital. Let us know your situation when you call so we can discuss which pathway is right for you.
You must not drive after any form of sedation — Penthrox, Valium, or otherwise. Arrange a lift to and from your appointment before the day. If you're coming in from the CBD by public transport, that's fine — but you'll need someone to accompany you home after treatment.
Common questions from nervous patients in Brisbane CBD
Call us before you book. Tell us how you're feeling. We'll talk through your concerns and make sure everything is in place before you arrive.
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