If your child has been referred for a sedation or dental anxiety consultation, the appointment ahead is probably gentler than you are imagining. Nothing is drilled, nothing is decided in advance, and nothing happens without your agreement. The consultation is an assessment and a conversation — its whole purpose is to understand your child before recommending anything.

Here is how the visit typically unfolds.

Before we look at any teeth, we listen

The consultation usually begins with a conversation with you. your dentist will want to understand:

• why your child was referred, and what you have noticed
• their dental history, including any previous difficult experiences
• their medical history, medications and allergies
• how they respond to new situations, and what helps them feel safe
• for children with sensory sensitivities or additional needs — what works for your child, because you are the expert on that

This conversation matters as much as anything that happens in the chair. It is where the recommendation really comes from.

Meeting your child at their pace

Clinicians consulting at Tooth Town are experienced with children who find dental settings hard. There is no expectation that your child hops into the chair on cue. Depending on the child, the visit might involve sitting on a parent’s lap, exploring the room, counting teddy’s teeth first, or simply talking. If your child allows, the dentist will have a look at their teeth — and if a full look is not possible on the day, that is itself useful assessment information, not a failed appointment.

Where needed, and only where your child can manage them comfortably, X-rays or photos may be suggested to complete the picture. Sometimes these wait for a later visit or for treatment under sedation — your dentist will explain the reasoning either way.

Talking through the options — honestly

Once your dentist understands your child’s situation, they will talk you through the support approaches that may suit — which can range from familiarisation and behaviour guidance through to happy gas or, in some situations, treatment under general anaesthetic in hospital. For each realistic option you can expect an honest discussion of what it involves, what it asks of your child, and its practical side — including, for hospital care, the fact that dental, hospital and anaesthetist fees are separate, so there are no billing surprises later.

Two things you will not get: pressure, and guarantees. A consultation does not lock in a particular treatment approach, and treatment plans can change — for example, if X-rays taken later show more or less than expected. Where treatment will be carried out under happy gas or general anaesthetic, the specialist who will perform it reviews and confirms the plan, so the final details can differ slightly from an initial estimate. What you should leave with is a clear understanding of the recommended path and why it fits your child.

Your questions

Bring them — written down if that helps. Common ones worth asking:

• What did you observe about how my child coped today?
• What would treatment involve with, and without, additional support?
• What are the practical steps, timeframes and costs from here?
• What can we do at home in the meantime?

There is no question our team has not heard, and no silly ones.

What happens after the consultation

Depending on the recommendation, next steps might include booking treatment with the agreed support approach, a familiarisation visit, gathering more information (such as imaging), or a referral conversation with other health professionals involved in your child’s care. You will never be expected to decide on the spot — take the information home, talk it over, and call us with follow-up questions on (07) 3398 5885.

What this means for your child

For your child, the consultation should feel like meeting some friendly people who were interested in them and looked at their teeth, maybe. That is by design. Positive, low-stakes early contact is the foundation everything else is built on — you can help it along with our low-pressure preparation guide.

Frequently asked questions

Will any treatment be done at the consultation?

The consultation is for assessment and discussion. Treatment is planned separately, with your agreement, once the right approach for your child is clear.

Will my child definitely be offered happy gas or a general anaesthetic?

Not necessarily — and that is a good thing. The recommendation follows the assessment. Some children are best supported by behaviour guidance alone; others by happy gas; some by hospital care. The consultation works out which is right for your child.

How long does the consultation take?

Most first consultations take around 30 minutes. Some appointments are booked for longer — for example, special needs consultations with Dr Candy Fung are usually about an hour — so our team will confirm the timing when you book.

What should we bring?

Any referral letter, recent X-rays or reports if you have them, a list of medications and medical conditions, and your child’s comfort item. Completed forms save time on the day — our team will send these before your visit.

What does the consultation cost?

Fees depend on the consultation type and what is involved on the day. Our reception team can give you current consultation fee information when you book — please just ask.

This information is general in nature and does not replace an individual dental or medical assessment. Recommendations depend on your child’s dental needs, age, medical history and how they respond during their appointment.

Ready to take the first step, or unsure whether this consultation suits your child? Call Tooth Town on (07) 3398 5885 or request an appointment online.

Medically reviewed by Dr Helen Fung, Specialist Paediatric Dentist — 24 July 2026. Next review due 24 January 2027.

Related service at Tooth Town: Happy Gas & Sedation