Sedation Dentistry – Long Island City, NY
Scared of the Dentist? We’re Here to Help
Fear of the dentist is a common problem for patients of all ages, and the negative feelings can be so strong that they may even put them off from attending regular dental checkups, which can lead to serious damage for their smile down the road. Here in Long Island City, our dental team wants to help you receive the revitalizing care you need while feeling relaxed and at ease. With the help of sedation dentistry in our Long Island City dental office, we can take the edge off of phobia and discomfort, replacing them with easy contentment.
Why Choose LIC Dental Associates for Sedation Dentistry?
- In-House Anesthesiologist Available
- We Treat Children & Adults
- Compassionate & Experienced Team of Experts
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) is a mild sedative that’s safe for all ages. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a nasal mask that remains on the patient’s face throughout the treatment. Feelings of calmness should set in within minutes of exposure. At LIC Dental Associates, Dr. Saran and our team of trusted experts are here to ensure children and adults remain comfortable during their appointments. With nitrous oxide, we can trade fear and anxiety with positive patient experiences moving forward.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
You can expect to be recommended for nitrous oxide if you:
- Express anxiety over visiting the dentist’s office
- Have a sensitive gag reflex that makes it difficult to receive dental work
- Have a fear of needles
- Experience difficulty sitting still because of a physical ailment
- Struggle with the sights, sounds, and smells of a dentist’s office
Before administering nitrous oxide, we will meet with you to discuss your overall health and medical history. This is required to ensure you are a strong candidate for treatment. Although most children and adults can receive nitrous oxide with no issues, we must identify any medications or conditions that might otherwise cause the sedation to be ineffective.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
A nasal mask is placed over your nose, and a member of our team will instruct you to inhale. In only a few minutes, you will begin to experience a calming effect. This is nitrous oxide entering your body, causing your senses to be dulled.
We will begin dental treatment at this time while also monitoring your condition. If necessary, we will adjust the level of nitrous oxide you receive so that you remain calm, relaxed, and comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
At no point should you feel any discomfort or anxiety. Instead, you’ll remain at ease while we take care of your smile.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Many patients choose dental nitrous oxide in Long Island because the effects wear off quickly after the gas flow is cut off. Once the mask is removed, you will be instructed to breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes.
You’ll then be able to return to work, run errands, and even drive yourself home without significant downtime, which is ideal for people and families with busy schedules.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation in Long Island City provides a simple way to get your dental anxiety under control. All you need to do is take the medication we prescribe before your appointment; once the effects kick in, you’ll enter an advanced state of relaxation where you’ll be awake but unbothered by what’s going on around you. Read on for a closer look at oral conscious sedation and how it works.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation that might be recommended if nitrous oxide isn’t enough to manage your feelings of dental anxiety. There are several types of medication that can potentially be used for oral conscious sedation, such as Valium and Halcion. The kind used in your case can vary depending on your specific needs.
While under the effects of oral conscious sedation, you’ll remain awake and capable of following any directions that our team gives you. At the same time, you’ll be much calmer and more relaxed than normal, and it will feel like time is passing significantly faster.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
The prescribed medication will come in the form of a pill. You will be instructed to take said pill at a certain time prior to your appointment (often about an hour beforehand). You shouldn’t drive while under the effects of the medication, so plan on having someone else bring you to our office.
During a treatment where oral conscious sedation is used, you can count on our team to monitor you carefully in order to ensure that you stay safe and comfortable throughout your appointment. Once your treatment is complete, you will need a trusted friend or family member to take you home. It can take several hours for the effects of oral conscious sedation to completely wear off, so you’ll need to spend some time resting at home.
Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Before you can have oral conscious sedation administered, our team will need to make sure that it’s a good fit for you. We’ll review your health history and consider your needs before we give you our recommendation.
You could be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if any of the following apply to you:
- You have strong feelings of nervousness or anxiety when it comes to dental work.
- You have cancelled important dental appointments in the past out of fear.
- You have a gag reflex that’s more sensitive than normal.
- You need to have multiple dental treatments performed during a single visit.
- You are planning to undergo a particularly long or complex dental treatment.
- You find it hard to sit still or keep your mouth open for extended periods.
- Your mouth does not get numb easily.
IV Dental Sedation
IV sedation is very similar to oral conscious sedation in terms of its overall effects and strength, but the delivery process is much different. Once the patient is comfortably settled into the treatment chair, their medication will be administered intravenously; this allows our team to adjust the dosage in real time as needed to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia renders patients completely unconscious, and it is typically only recommended for young children who are in need of advanced dentistry or older patients with severe dental phobia. At LIC Dental Associates, we’re proud to offer the services of Dr. Gordon Barnes, our in-house, board-certified anesthesiologist who has 25+ years of experience in this important field. He will ensure your safety throughout the treatment process, closely monitoring vitals and making adjustments as needed for optimal comfort.
How Do I Know If Sedation Dentistry Is Right For Me?
Talking with Dr. Saran and his team is the first step in deciding if sedation dentistry is for you. Whether you are afraid of needles, have trouble getting numb, or are simply anxious when it comes to dental work, you and your dentist can discuss your individual case and options.
Do you live in or around Long Island City? There is no reason to put off your dental work - all it takes is a phone call to get the dental care you need. Call us today.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is generally considered safe for most people. However, before deciding whether to administer the medications and which type of sedation is best for you, our team will need to have a consultation appointment with you. During this time, we’ll review your medical history and learn about any current prescriptions or other drugs you may be taking so that we don’t cause any negative interactions.
Then, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist will administer the correct dosage at the right time to ensure that you remain comfortable for your appointment or procedure. Our team will continue to monitor your vitals once you’re sedated to ensure that your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate all stay within healthy parameters.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
The sensations you experience can vary based on the type of medication being administered and your unique circumstances. For each type, you can typically anticipate the following:
- Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this medication is inhaled and gives you a light, relaxed, and euphoric feeling. You may even notice a light tingling in your limbs or start to giggle.
- Oral conscious sedation. This pill is taken before you arrive for your appointment, so by the time we get started, you’ll already feel a deep sense of relaxation. You might have difficulty responding to questions and may even doze off.
- IV sedation. This induces a deeply tranquil state of mind. You won’t feel discomfort and might not recall the details of the procedure after the fact.
How long does dental sedation last?
The duration of your sedation depends on the type being administered. A more detailed description of what to expect is included below:
- Nitrous oxide. This gas is administered through a mask placed over your nose while your dentist works. Once it’s removed, the effects wear off in about five minutes so that you can drive yourself home.
- Oral conscious sedation. Because it’s ingested orally, it takes longer for this medication to work its way out of your system. You’ll need someone to drive you home, and you shouldn’t operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. That said, you’ll probably feel like yourself after a good night’s sleep.
- IV sedation. The effects dissipate a few hours after your procedure. You’ll probably feel groggy for a while and will need someone to take you home after your appointment.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
In many cases, dental insurance doesn’t cover sedation dentistry, so many patients want to know whether they can afford it. Nitrous oxide is usually the most cost-effective method, and you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars. IV sedation and general anesthesia tend to be pricier because there are more risks involved, and additional training and work are required to administer the meds and monitor your status throughout your procedure.
We don’t want your budget to keep you from getting the care you need, so we’re happy to work with you to help make your sedation more affordable. We proudly offer an in-house perks program that includes 10% discounts on any necessary procedures. Plus, we’ve partnered with third-party financers like Care Credit and Lending Club so that if you’re approved, you can break up your total invoice into more manageable installments.
If you need help with the paperwork or applications, don't hesitate to contact us! Our friendly office team is more than happy to assist you!