Sedation Dentist – Bergenfield, NJ

Who Is A Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

If you are curious about being a good candidate for nitrous oxide, it’s important that you meet with your sedation dentist in Bergenfield first. During an initial consultation, we will discuss your health and medical history to determine if there might be any reason it is unsafe to receive nitrous oxide. In most cases, you should be perfectly fine to undergo treatment, especially if you:

• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Have trouble getting numb
• Have mild or moderate dental anxiety
• Have had a traumatic dental experience
• Have difficulty remaining comfortable in the dentist’s chair
• Have tooth sensitivity
• Have a fear of needles

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

The process of receiving nitrous oxide is quite simple. When arriving for your appointment, our team will place a nasal mask over your nose and instruct you to inhale. Once the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is turned on, you will begin to feel more at ease and comfortable. Within minutes, you may begin to feel somewhat sleepy, but you will not be fully sedated. You will remain aware enough to respond to our team’s cues throughout your appointment.

We will closely monitor your sedation, adjusting the levels as needed. Once the procedure is complete, we will turn off the gas and remove the mask. In no time at all, the effects will fully dissipate, allowing you to leave feeling refreshed with better oral health.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is considered the mildest form of sedation. As a result, there are no serious side effects that you must be concerned about. In fact, as soon as the mask is removed, you should notice a dramatic difference in how you feel within minutes. Because there are usually no ill side effects with this type of treatment, you should be able to resume normal activity immediately following your appointment. Whether it is returning to work or school, you can feel confident and comfortable after receiving nitrous oxide sedation.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is a safe option for patients who possess no serious overall health problems. Nitrous oxide is considered the mildest form and is one of the safest methods of sedation for most patients. But before you commit to receiving sedation, you can count on a member of our team to discuss your medical history and current medications, as this can pose the potential for negative interactions. When undergoing sedation dentistry, we will closely monitor your vitals (i.e., blood pressure, oxygen, heart rate) throughout your procedure to ensure you stay safe.

Is sedation dentistry safe while pregnant?

It is true that the medications used in dental sedation can transfer from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, which is why it’s best to avoid dental treatment that requires sedation during the first trimester, as it can potentially cause developmental problems. If used in the third trimester, it can lead to premature labor. This is why it’s advised that pregnant women either wait until after the baby arrives or undergo any type of dental procedure during the second trimester. Should you require sedation while pregnant, your dentist will likely recommend the lowest possible dosage but enough to make sure you’re comfortable.

What are the risks of sedation dentistry?

Although it is a safe option for most patients, it can pose potential risks. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or take certain medications, sedation may cause serious complications. Also, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently, so don’t assume just because someone else had a negative reaction that you will, too. The most common side effects of sedation dentistry include headache, nausea, and grogginess.

Is sedation dentistry worth it?

Yes, sedation dentistry is most certainly worth it, especially if you suffer from mild, moderate, or extreme dental anxiety. It is also helpful if you require complex dental work that involves multiple procedures to be completed during one appointment. Although it can be troublesome considering the cost, it is far better to talk to our dental team about ways you can afford it and get the care you need now instead of waiting until the problem worsens. By choosing to receive sedation dentistry now, you can actually save a lot of money in the long run.

Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?

While this might be funny to think about, the truth is that no, sedation dentistry does not cause you to divulge your deepest, darkest secrets. It is not a truth serum. If you do accidentally say something while under sedation, you can trust that your dentist and dental team will keep this information to themselves, as confidentiality and trust are extremely important to us at Washington Dental Associates.

Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?

Sedation dentistry won’t put you to sleep, so you’ll technically remain conscious throughout your dental appointment. However, with certain kinds of sedatives, there’s a chance that you might not remember many details of your procedure. IV sedation is the most powerful solution for relaxation and is more likely to cause patients to forget their treatment process compared to nitrous oxide. With general anesthesia, however, you’ll be completely unconscious. This is why many patients find it much easier and more pleasant to undergo dental care under sedation, especially if they struggle with crippling anxiety or have had negative experiences in the past.

What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?

This will depend mostly on the form of sedation you’re getting. Nitrous oxide is incredibly mild and simply needs to be breathed in to experience a light and euphoric state. During this time, you might feel your fingers and limbs are somewhat tingly or even start to get the giggles—hence the common nickname “laughing gas.” With IV sedation, however, you’ll enter a much stronger sense of relaxation, and the effects often kick in moments after receiving the solution. You’ll likely feel “heavy” before you begin to “doze off” during your appointment. While you’ll still be conscious, you’ll be extremely relaxed and euphoric, and time might seem to pass more quickly.

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

In most cases, IV sedation will typically cost much more than nitrous oxide, as its relaxation effects are more potent. There are also more risks involved with this option, which is why extensive training is necessary to administer this sedative. Nitrous oxide often costs around a few hundred dollars while more powerful solutions can go much higher. The price of your sedation treatment will also depend on how long you’re under the effects. Fortunately, our practice offers dental financing through CareCredit to help minimize your out-of-pocket expenses so you can undergo the dental care you need as comfortably as possible.

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

For most dental insurance companies, sedation dentistry is often considered a “luxury” treatment, similar to cosmetic services, so they usually won’t offer coverage for it. Still, there may be exceptions in your policy that allow coverage for cases where it’s almost impossible to receive dental care without sedation, such as patients with disabilities like cerebral palsy, autism, Parkinson’s, etc. Sedation dentistry might also be covered if you require extensive or complex procedures, like multiple tooth extractions. That’s why you’ll want to review your policy with your provider to know the details of your benefits. Our team will also be happy to help you make the most of your benefits if possible.