Sedation Dentistry
Do you avoid the dentist due to anxiety? You’re not alone. An estimated 10-20% of adults have severe dental anxiety.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help you stay relaxed while receiving the dental care you need.
Drs. Alex and Jason Hecht of Staten Island, NY, offer multiple forms of conscious sedation.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is when your dentist uses medication to help you relax during your dental treatments. Depending on your needs, the procedure you're undergoing, and other factors, there are several methods of sedation that are often used in dentistry. This means we can tailor treatment specifically to you.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The most common reason that patients opt for sedation dentistry is to overcome dental phobia. If you dislike needles, dental drills, the feeling of scraping on your teeth, or any other part of a dental visit, you may benefit from sedation dentistry.
Patients need to stay relatively still while undergoing dental care. Some patients have trouble doing so. This may be due to restless leg syndrome, ADHD, ALS, or a number of other conditions. Sedation can help your dentist provide efficient treatment.
If you are prone to pain or discomfort while sitting or lying down for a long time, dental sedation can make you more comfortable. Arthritic patients often benefit from taking advantage of this option at our Staten Island, NY, dentistry practice.
Some patients have a stronger gag reflex than others. Dental sedation minimizes this reflex so these patients can avoid gagging or feeling nauseated while receiving dental work.
Certain patients have very sensitive teeth, which can make dental work especially uncomfortable. Sedatives help these patients feel more comfortable receiving dentistry.
We Cater to Cowards Our Dentists Explain Sedation Dentistry
At Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist, we welcome nervous patients. We understand that many men and women have some level of dental fear, and we go out of our way to make these patients feel welcome and comfortable. Thanks to conscious sedation, you can have your teeth treated and never remember the procedure.
Curious About Sedation Dentistry? Contact Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist
Does the idea of dental treatment make you anxious? Sedation dentistry can help you feel calm and relaxed. If you want to receive dental work without feeling anxious or uncomfortable, contact our Staten Island, NY, dental team to learn more about sedation dentistry.
Our doctors and the rest of our team want to ensure that your dental visit is as stress-free as possible. Contact us by filling out our online form for a free consultation or by calling:
(718) 705-4434
"Love this place."
Kathy SMOLKA
Staten Island, NY
2023
Everyone was so kind and helpful!
View on GoogleElliot John
Staten Island, NY
2023
Love this place friendly staff and overall service is great
View on GoogleOur Sedation Options
At our dental office in Staten Island, NY, we offer two different kinds of sedation. Both are conscious sedation methods so you will remain awake and cooperative during your treatment, but feel calm and relaxed, and you may not remember your appointment at all once the sedation wears off. Before your procedure, we will explain both types to you and determine which is best for your specific needs. The types of dental sedation we use are:
Oral Sedation
This type of sedation makes use of oral medications. Before your appointment, our doctors, Jason and Alex Hecht, will write you a prescription for a sedative in pill form. The number of pills you take will depend on your weight, the length of the procedure, and other factors.
Oral sedation is usually the best means of achieving relaxation during longer procedures. It is important to note that you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure is complete, as it will not be safe for you to do so. You should also plan to relax at home for the remainder of the day.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide helps patients drift into a state of deep relaxation while undergoing dental work. This sedative relieves dental phobia while providing a feeling of euphoria (which can prompt the laughing).
Nitrous oxide is administered through inhalation and can benefit both children and adults. Our doctors can periodically adjust the amount of gas being administered, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout your treatment. The effects usually wear off quickly, so you may be able to drive yourself home afterward.
How Do I Choose a Sedation Dentist? Navigating the Selection Process for Your Ideal Sedation Dentist
Dental sedation can be an incredible benefit to those who have avoided the dentist for far too long. However, it is important to understand that this solution requires great care from your dentist to ensure that you can safely take advantage of sedation and experience the best possible benefits.
Drs. Alex and Jason Hecht have over 35 years of experience practicing cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We have provided patients with dental sedation for many years, and we only use state-of-the-art dental equipment for our procedures. Whether you need a tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, dental implants, or another dental procedure, rest assured that you’re in good hands when you choose our doctors.
Since we are a father and son team, you can trust that we run an extremely family-oriented practice. We’re the best choice when looking for a gentle, relaxed dental experience for both yourself and your children. At Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist, your family is our family, and our dental procedures are personalized for comfort and the best possible results.
Get Started Today Call Us to Request a Free Consultation
Dental anxiety can often prevent patients from receiving the oral health care they need, leading to compounding oral health problems and even tooth loss.
Sedation dentistry can help even the most anxious patient. With sedation options, we can help you remain calm and comfortable so you can achieve a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile that lasts a lifetime.
Get started on your journey to the beautiful and healthy smile you've been dreaming about. Request a consultation by filling out our online form or call our practice in Staten Island, NY, today.
(718) 705-4434
"The best place to go if you have fears of the dentist." Hear from More Satisfied Staten Island Patients
andrew kogut
Staten Island, NY
2022
The best dental practice in New York. Caring and empathetic to their patients needs.
View on GooglePatricia Ryan
Staten Island, NY
2022
Best experience I ever had at the dentist, from the receptionist, to the staff, everyone was wonderful, made me feel comfortable & relaxed, I highly recommend Dr.Hect & his wonderful staff
View on GooglePaying for Sedation Dentistry
The use of sedation does add to the overall cost of treatment, and dental insurance doesn't typically cover sedation-related costs. However, if sedation is needed to repair your smile, we believe it is a more than worthwhile investment. We offer several financing options that can help you afford sedation dentistry.
Candidacy for Sedation
Sedation Options: Your Comfort, Our Priority
To undergo dental treatment while sedated, you must be in good health. In addition, patients cannot receive dental sedatives while pregnant. This could put a mother and her unborn child at risk.
Finally, a patient cannot undergo sedation dentistry if they have had a bad reaction to any type of anesthetic in the past. If you have had complications with sedatives in the past, it's vital that you inform our dentists when discussing sedation dentistry. Your safety is our priority, and we will make sure that you can safely receive sedation before recommending this option.
"I finally have confidence."
Martin Vukek
Staten Island, NY
2023
I Had Implants Done There. Everyone Was So Professional And Everything Is Done On The Premises. They Were Highley Recommended And I Can See Why.
View on GoogleRochelle Sanicola
Staten Island, NY
2023
After having lunch with my friend, my front teeth fell out leaving me with no choice but to finally address my issues.. I finally have confidence in whatever I want to eat without fear. I would recommend Dr Hecht and staff to everyone
View on GoogleSedation Dentistry Risk Factors
Understanding Potential Risk Factors
The use of anesthetics and sedatives always carries a certain risk. For example, some patients may have allergies to the sedatives. The risk of complications is higher for patients with conditions such as obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Patients who are prone to serotonin syndrome may have a bad reaction to nitrous oxide. It’s important to inform our dentists if you have ever experienced this condition before. Again, we will conduct a careful screening to make sure this treatment is appropriate for you.
Learn More in a Free Consultation Contact Us Today
At Staten Island Aesthetic & Implant Dentist, we happily offer free consultations to prospective patients. Contact our office today to set up your free consultation if you want to discuss sedation dentistry with our experienced doctors. You can get in touch with us online or by calling:
(718) 705-4434
"The best dental practice in New York."
andrew kogut
Staten Island, NY
2022
The best dental practice in New York. Caring and empathetic to their patients needs.
View on GooglePatricia Ryan
Staten Island, NY
2022
Best experience I ever had at the dentist, from the receptionist, to the staff, everyone was wonderful, made me feel comfortable & relaxed, I highly recommend Dr.Hect & his wonderful staff
View on GoogleRecovering After Sedation
Your aftercare instructions will vary based on the procedure you have performed. Our dental team will give you full instructions. Typically, patients who undergo minor procedures and nitrous oxide can resume activities fairly quickly. However, more in-depth procedures such as dental implants require additional recovery time.
If you use oral conscious sedation, you will need to rest and give the medication time to wear off. How long that will take varies from patient to patient. It is important that you do not operate machinery or drive until your sedation completely wears off.
Sedation Dentistry and Dental Implants
Our Staten Island dentists specialize in rebuilding damaged smiles with dental implants. In many cases, our patients have developed severe dental conditions because they have avoided dental care out of fear. Thanks to our sedation options, these patients can overcome their dental anxiety and enjoy the truly life-changing benefits of implant dentistry.
Whether you require a single implant or a full mouth reconstruction, we can make sedation available during any and every stage of your treatment. When you take advantage of dental sedation, you may not even remember your implant procedure. You'll arrive for your appointment, and next thing you know, you'll have brand-new teeth, restored dental function, and greatly boosted confidence.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
How Long Do the Effects Last?
How long the effects of conscious sedation will last will depend on the sedation method you choose. If you choose oral sedation, you may feel a little groggy for the remainder of the day after your appointment. That's why it's important to have a friend or family member drive you home after your treatment. On the other hand, if you choose nitrous oxide, the effects should wear off within a few minutes after the mask is removed.
How Do I Prepare for Sedation Dentistry?
Our dentists will provide detailed instructions on what you should and shouldn't do before your appointment. If you choose nitrous oxide, you should avoid eating for two hours before your appointment. If you choose oral sedation, you should not eat for around six hours before your appointment, and you should also make arrangements for someone to pick you up at the end of your treatment.
What Types of Procedures Involve Sedation?
We often recommend sedation when patients are going to undergo more involved procedures like dental implant surgery or bone grafting. However, patients with acute dental anxiety can choose to be sedated for any procedure, including minimally invasive treatments like veneers placement or dental bonding.
