Sedation Dentist Succasunna

Relax While Taking Care of Your Smile 

Sedation dentist in Succasunna smiling at a patient in the dental chair

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

Person holding a white pill and a glass of water

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 Sedation

Man laying down in dental chair with nitrous oxide mask over his nose

Nitrous oxide sedation is administered in-office by our trained professionals. We’ll place a small mask over your nose that will allow you to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas. Within a moment, you’ll feel waves of relaxation wash over you. Once your treatment or cleaning is complete, our team will have you breathe in oxygen using the mask, helping flush your system of the sedation. After your appointment, you’ll be able to carry on with your day as you normally would. 

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.