Sedation Dentistry – Staten Island, NY

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious dental sedation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to be sedated during your appointment. It doesn’t require any needles or face masks. Instead, we will prescribe you a single, personalized dose of anti-anxiety medication. This sedative will typically be in the form of a pill, and you’ll take it before your appointment. Not only will you feel completely at-ease by the time we begin your treatment, but you’ll likely feel relaxed before you even reach our office!

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Most patients report feeling groggy and as if their limbs are heavy while under the effects of oral conscious dental sedation. Many patients feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during their treatment. However, you will not be completely asleep, as we’ll be able to awaken you easily with a gentle nudge if needed. You’ll remain conscious enough to respond to basic requests, but it’s unlikely that you’ll remember anything of your appointment afterward.

The sedation will linger throughout your appointment, as well as for a time afterwards. That’s why you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home, where you should plan on resting for the remainder of the day. The effects should wear off within a few hours.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

If you feel severely anxious prior to your appointment, enough to the point that you find yourself calling to reschedule or cancel your appointments out of fear, oral conscious sedation may be your best option. It’s also a great choice for patients who are afraid of needles or masks, since this method doesn’t require either of these things. It’s also commonly recommended for patients who are undergoing longer appointments, perhaps to have a complicated procedure done or complete several treatments in one visit. However, the best way to discover if oral conscious dental sedation is best for you and your unique situation is to call us for a consultation!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

If you only have mild anxiety, nitrous oxide is likely the best solution for you. It’s also a great option for patients who simply need a little bit of help to feel more comfortable in the examination chair. This includes patients who suffer from issues like TMJ disfunction, an overactive gag reflex, very sensitive teeth, back pain, and neck pain. It can also be a very effective option for patients who typically don’t respond well to numbing medications alone.

While most patients young and older alike are considered good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation, there are some exceptions. We will generally not recommend nitrous oxide sedation for patients who are pregnant, have a respiratory illness, or are currently experiencing nasal congestion.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?

To receive nitrous oxide sedation, we provide you with a small nasal mask that is worn throughout your appointment. As you inhale the colorless, odorless gas, you’ll start to feel warm and relaxed. Many patients report feeling a light sensation in their limbs. You will stay conscious, but will be oblivious to the sights, sounds, and feelings that would typically cause you anxiety or discomfort. We will be able to adjust your level of sedation at any time during your appointment. We’ll carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible the entire time.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation

One of the reasons why nitrous oxide dental sedation is such a popular option is that there is basically no interruption to your day. When we remove the mask after your treatment, it will only take a few minutes for you to fully return to your normal level of consciousness. You’ll even be able to drive yourself home after your appointment and continue on with your daily activities! While a very small percentage of patients feel mildly nauseous afterwards, studies show that there are no serious negative side effects in the short-term or long-term.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

When administered by a seasoned professional like Dr. G., sedation dentistry is extremely safe. Dr. G. completes nearly 300 hours of continuing education every year to stay current with the latest in dentistry, which includes dental sedation. He and his experienced team will be monitoring you throughout your appointment to ensure you are as safe and comfortable as possible at all times. With nitrous oxide sedation, we’re able to adjust your level of sedation at any moment.

Does Sedation Dentistry Put You to Sleep?

When you are sedated with oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide, you will remain conscious. In fact, you’ll be able to respond to basic instructions and answer simple questions. Some patients feel so relaxed that they nod off during their treatment, but can be easily awoken with a gentle nudge. However, this level of consciousness will feel more like a dreaming state, wherein you’ll be completely oblivious to the sights, sounds and sensations that would typically cause you anxiety.

Is Sedation Dentistry Just for Patients with Dental Anxiety?

While dental sedation is an excellent choice for patients who are nervous or afraid of visiting the dentist, it can be utilized to help many more patients as well. For example, you may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:

• Have very sensitive teeth
• Have an overactive gag reflex
• Have TMJ disorder or jaw problems that make holding your mouth open uncomfortable
• Have neck, back, or shoulder pain that make sitting in the examination chair uncomfortable
• Have trouble sitting still for long periods of time

What Does Being Sedated at the Dentist’s Feel Like?

Dental sedation feels slightly different for each patient. However, in general, this is what you can expect:

• Nitrous oxide sedation: This is the lightest form of sedation dentistry. It’s most commonly associated with a light, airy feeling, particularly in the arms and legs. Patients tend to feel so at-ease and content with nitrous oxide that it is oftentimes called “laughing gas” instead.
• Oral conscious sedation: This form of sedation achieves a deeper state of relaxation. Typically, patients will feel groggy and tired, and their limbs may feel heavier than normal. You’ll continue to feel some of the effects of oral conscious sedation for the rest of the day, but they should wear off completely by the following morning (if not sooner).