Sedation Dentist Succasunna
Relax While Taking Care of Your Smile
We regularly see patients who feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, and we're happy to do everything we can to get you settled in the treatment chair. For some, our friendly staff is enough to ease any fear, but for others, sedation dentistry in Succasunna may be necessary. We offer oral conscious and nitrous oxide sedation dentistry to ensure you have a more pleasant and positive experience at your next routine visit or procedure.
Why Choose Morris County Dental Associates for Sedation Dentistry?
- Fast-Acting Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Friendly & Highly Experienced Team
- We Accept Dental Insurance
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a single pill that you’ll take either when you arrive at our office or before you come. Within about an hour, you’ll feel the effects of the medication kick-in, which will allow you to feel more relaxed while you’re in the treatment chair. We recommend taking the day off of work or school because the effects can linger for up to eight hours after being taken.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a mild form of dental sedation that our trained professionals administer in-office. Used to curb anxiety and nervousness, it creates a more comfortable dental experience for patients while our team completes the necessary work to improve your oral health. Its unique calming effect allows us to work more efficiently, all while closely monitoring you throughout treatment. Missed appointments due to fear can be a thing of the past with dental nitrous oxide in Succasunna.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Good candidates for nitrous oxide include those who:
- Are anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist’s office
- Have a sensitive or strong gag reflex
- Are afraid of needles
- Dislike the dental office environment and the sights, sounds, and smells that come with it
- Cannot remain seated for long because of a physical ailment
If you experience any of these issues, you may be eligible for nitrous oxide. The only way to know for sure is to meet with a member of our team to discuss your medical history. We will also inquire about your current medications. This will help us determine if it is safe for you to receive nitrous oxide before your procedure.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
On the day of your visit, we will start by placing a small mask over your nose that lets you breathe in a colorless, odorless gas. In a short time, you’ll feel waves of relaxation wash over you. Nitrous oxide does not take long to produce a calming, more comfortable effect.
Throughout your visit, our team will monitor and adjust your dosage to ensure you remain fully relaxed while in the chair. You will be aware enough to respond to cues but unbothered by dental work in your mouth.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once your treatment or cleaning is complete, our team will have you breathe oxygen through the mask to help flush the sedation from your system. Within a few minutes, you’ll be free to leave our office and continue your day as you normally would.
One added benefit of nitrous oxide is that it does not cause bothersome side effects. Most individuals are free to return to school or work immediately after their appointment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the strongest option we offer. The medication is administered directly into the bloodstream using an injection in the hand or arm. This puts the patient into a deep state of relaxation almost instantly, and we can adjust this in real-time throughout the appointment to ensure they are comfortable. It is typically recommended for people with extreme dental anxiety, those who need to undergo a surgical procedure, or a patient who wants to complete multiple treatments in a single appointment to save time.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
How common is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is fairly common. Studies have shown that an estimated 36% of the population suffers from dental anxiety, while 12% suffer from severe dental phobia. If you think you have dental anxiety, communicate with us so we can make extra efforts to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible.
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
This depends upon the type of sedation you received. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, while the effects of oral conscious sedation can linger for several hours. IV sedation will take most of the day and up to 24 hours to wear off.
What can I expect after sedation dentistry?
Again, this depends upon the type of sedation. OCS & IV sedation can cause drowsiness and amnesia. Nitrous oxide usually does not.
Can you eat before sedation? After sedation?
This will vary based on the type of sedation you receive, your medical history, the type of procedure(s) you have done, and the length of your sedation. This question is best answered on an individual basis.
Do you feel pain with sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry aims to minimize pain and discomfort during dental procedures. While patients may not feel pain, they might experience pressure or mild sensations. The level of sedation can be adjusted to ensure comfort, and local anesthesia is often used in conjunction to manage any potential discomfort.
Does oral sedation put you to sleep?
With oral sedation, the effects vary from patient-to-patient. Most patients report feeling very drowsy but not fully asleep. Anesthesia is a form of sedation that will put patients fully under. Anesthetic usually prevents patients from remembering the procedure.
Can I drive home after dental sedation?
You drive home after receiving nitrous oxide. The effects of this type of dental sedation will wear off immediately. However, with oral conscious sedation and IV sedation you will need someone to drive you home. Furthermore, you should have someone stay with you for the remainder of the day for safety reasons. The effects of the sedation medication will remain in your system for several hours.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. Dentists assess patient health and medical history thoroughly, taking precautions to minimize risks. The level of sedation is carefully controlled, and patients are closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and well-being.