Sedation Dentistry NYC

If you are one of those patients who loathes going to the dentist to have any kind of dental work done, and you often experience anxiety, pain, or gagging when you do have to visit the dentist, sedation during your procedures could be the right path for you.

By being given an oral sedative one hour prior to your scheduled appointment, you’ll be able to undergo your procedure without worry or fear. You’ll need to secure a ride both to and from your appointment, as the sedation will prevent you from driving safely on your own. But, you can take comfort in knowing your days of anxiety for trips to the dentist are long gone.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

The people who will most benefit from sedation are those who become extremely fearful or anxious when it’s time to have a procedure done. When asked to open their mouth so the dentist can examine their gums and teeth, they often gag uncontrollably and are unable to relax.

Another group of people who could be great candidates for sedation dentistry are those who have spent years avoiding going to the dentist. When you don’t visit your dentist for a significant amount of time, calculus can build up behind your teeth and bacteria can grow in the pockets of your gums.

This type of buildup can take multiple visits to correct once you’re ready to resume your regular dental hygiene care. You might even require more serious measures, such as cavity fillings, crowns, or even tooth extractions, depending on the level of buildup.

Different Types of Sedation

There are a few different ways you can be sedated prior to having a dental procedure. Some of the most common forms of sedation include the following:

• Laughing Gas – Also known as nitrous oxide (N₂0), laughing gas is a analgesia used for pain relief. Women in labor have been known to inhale laughing gas during their labor and delivery so they are able to tolerate the pain of labor contractions.

N₂0 does not put you to sleep when you inhale it; rather, it reduces the amount of anxiety you feel during the procedure. You’ll still be able to feel the pain, but you simply won’t be bothered by it as you would if you hadn’t inhaled N₂0.

In some cases, a general anesthetic can also be injected into the gums of your mouth in conjunction with the laughing gas if pain levels become too much to bear.

• Intravenous Sedation – IV sedation doesn’t put you to sleep, but it does make you less aware of your surroundings. IV sedation is injected into your veins through your IV and provides a deeper level of sedation than N₂0 will.

Intravenous sedation requires you to spend time more time in recovery following your procedure, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle or walk on your own due to the effects of the sedation.

• General Anesthesia – If you opt for general anesthesia, or if the procedure you are getting requires it, you’ll be fully asleep for the duration of the procedure. This form of sedation is typically injected into your veins through an IV.

Some patients need to inhale the general anesthesia in addition to intravenous injection. Not only will you not feel any pain or anxiety during the procedure, but you’ll also need to spend a significant amount of time in recovery following general anesthesia. This allows ample time for the anesthesia to wear off.

• Oral Sedation – Known by dental professionals as enteral sedation, an oral sedative is one you take by mouth. It is typically delivered either in a pill or liquid form and can be used in conjunction with laughing gas. These sedatives do not put you to sleep, but you’ll feel less anxious during your procedure and will more than likely feel little to no pain throughout.

In any case, your dentist will be able to determine which form of sedation will be most compatible with your body so you can undergo your dental procedure without feeling anxious or compromising your oral health.

What to Expect from Your Sedative Procedure

Once we’ve determined that sedation dentistry is a good option for you, we’ll schedule your appointment. One hour before your procedure, you’ll come into the office to begin your sedation. One sedated, you’ll feel drowsy, but you’ll still be awake and relaxed, depending on which type of sedation was administered. When you arrive, we will get you seated comfortably and begin to monitor your vital signs.

Your comfort is a priority during this time. Some ways our patients experience additional comfort include listening to music through headphones and making use of a pillow and blanket during their procedure.

After your sedative has taken effect and you’re comfortable, we will administer anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. Only then will your NYC sedation dentist move forward with your procedure. When your dental work is complete, you will need a ride home, as you’ll be too drowsy to drive for approximately 24 hours following the administration of your sedative.

Our patients report remembering little about the actual procedure due to their extreme relaxation. The ability to be under sedation during your dental work could drastically reduce the number of appointments you’ll need to complete the work, as well as minimizing the level of muscle soreness many patients experience following a procedure.

How Much Does Sedation Cost?

Most patients have concerns over how much it will cost to be sedated during the procedure. The cost will vary based on which form of sedation will work best for your body. In many cases, your health insurance will cover some or all of the costs. You can speak with our office to determine whether we accept your dental insurance.

Contact a Sedation Dentist in NYC

Does sedation sound like it might be a good fit for you? If so, speak with a talented sedation dentist at New York Dentist today. You can schedule an initial consultation by giving us a call at 555-555-5555 or by filling out our quick appointment request form located below.