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Relax With Sedation Dentistry in Hackensack, NJ

Anxious About Your Dental Visit?

It’s not uncommon to feel a little nervous about dental visits — many children and adults struggle through their appointments due to pain or fear. Many people find even their regular dental cleanings uncomfortable, not to mention other procedures. 

At State Street Smiles, we want you to feel comfortable when you’re here. That’s why we provide several dental sedation options in our office with the help of a professional anesthesiologist. 

Your Sedation Options

little girl in dental chair smiling happily as dentist smiles at her with cleaning tools in his hands

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This low-level sedation can be used for most types of dental visits. Though it’s often referred to as laughing gas, it won’t actually make you laugh. You’ll simply feel very relaxed, your pain will be eased, and your appointment will pass by more quickly.

Nitrous oxide can be used for both adults and children safely, with no side effects.  Our fully qualified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the appointment and make sure you or your child is completely safe during the procedure.

IV Sedation

For a stronger sedation option, we can use intravenous (IV) sedation. Our board-certified anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the appointment to make sure you’re safe while your dentist focuses on performing the procedure. 

You won’t feel any pain and you likely won’t remember the procedure at all. If you’re going to have IV sedation, you’ll need to make sure and bring someone else with you who can drive you home because you’ll feel drowsy afterward.

blonde woman lays in dental chair smiling at the camera
little girl smiles up at the camera from the dental chair as a female dentist looks at her teeth and the mom smiles from the side of the chair

General Anesthesia (Hospital Sedation)

If you or your child requires more sedation, we can bring you into the hospital for the procedure so a specially-trained anesthesiologist can monitor the anesthesia levels so he can focus on delivering high-quality dental care.

You Can Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

You don’t have to be uncomfortable at your dental appointment. If you feel anxious about your procedure, all you have to do is let your dentist know ahead of time and we can discuss sedation options with you.

To learn more, contact our office by calling (201) 487-7030 or by filling out our online contact form. We’re happy to be able to help you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?
Does sedation dentistry work?
What is sedation dentistry?
Can you eat before sedation dentistry?
Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?

Yes, low-level sedation is safe for children and toddlers with the oversight of a professional. At our office, we have a professional anesthesiologist who administers sedation so our dentists can solely focus on their dental work.

The anesthesiologist will monitor your child closely to ensure that they’re safe throughout the entire procedure. There are no side effects of sedation on toddlers after the procedure.

Does sedation dentistry work?

Yes, sedation dentistry helps many patients relax during their appointments and makes your procedure go by quicker without pain. Depending on your procedure and your medical history, we may use different levels of sedation.

You won’t feel pain or anxiety during your procedure due to sedation, so you can relax. Most people don’t remember their procedure, even with lower levels of sedation. You may feel a little drowsy after your procedure, so you’ll need to make sure someone else can drive you home.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to relax patients during dental procedures. While sedation may imply that you’ll be asleep, you’ll generally be conscious unless you’re under general anesthesia.

Though you’ll probably be awake, you’ll feel extremely relaxed and not as aware of your surroundings. Because of this, you likely won’t remember much of the procedure and you won’t feel pain.

Can you eat before sedation dentistry?

Can you eat before sedation dentistry?

Your pre-procedure requirements for sedation depend on the level and type of sedation you’ll be receiving. 

  • Nitrous Oxide: Though this is the mildest form of sedation, you may feel nauseous if you eat a few hours before your procedure. After your procedure is done, there are no dietary restrictions.
  • Oral Conscious Sedation: You’ll likely be instructed to avoid eating anything for six hours before your procedure unless your dentist tells you otherwise. After your procedure, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • IV Sedation: This type of sedation must be done on an empty stomach, so make sure you don’t eat anything for six hours before your procedure.
  • General Anesthesia: Like IV sedation, you won’t be able to eat for at least six hours before the procedure.

Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your dental procedure.

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