Dental Sedation in Old Tappan

Sedation for dental procedures

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas, and is commonly known as happy gas or laughing gas. Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce a patient’s pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The gas is given through a small nosepiece, and patients will be awake throughout the procedure. Patients usually recover quickly from the effects of the gas after their dental treatment has been completed. During the procedure, nitrous oxide sedation is given in the dental chair. The patient will breathe the sedation gas through a small nosepiece that sits on their nose. It does not cover their mouth.

The nitrous oxide makes patients feel sleepy and relaxed. Patients will still be aware of what is happening around them, but will feel dreamy and floaty, warm, and have tingling in their hands and feet. They may be a little forgetful, and might not be able to remember the procedure afterwards.

While giving the nitrous oxide, staff will monitor the patient’s level of sedation to ensure that they can still cooperate and follow verbal instructions.

The dental treatment will be carried out. Local anesthesia injections may also be given so that the patient doesn’t feel pain.

After the procedure, the patient will recover from the effects of the nitrous oxide very quickly once their dental treatment has been completed. They will be observed for a brief period following the procedure.

photo of dentist placing nitrous oxide delivery on patient prior to treatment

IV Sedation

Feeling anxious about a visit to the dentist is more common than you think. For many patients, fear or discomfort can delay important dental care. IV sedation offers a safe and highly effective solution for a more relaxed and comfortable experience during dental procedures.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV (intravenous) sedation involves administering sedative medication directly into the bloodstream, creating a state of deep relaxation. While you're not fully asleep, you’ll feel drowsy and calm—and you may not remember much of the procedure afterward. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond, but your anxiety and awareness are significantly reduced.

This method is especially beneficial for patients with dental phobia, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing multiple or complex treatments in one appointment.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?

IV sedation is ideal for individuals who:

  • Suffer from dental anxiety or fear
  • Have previously gone through distressing dental visits
  • Require extensive or time-consuming treatments
  • Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex or low pain threshold

A consultation at our dental office will help determine if you’re a good candidate, based on your health history and treatment needs.

Why Choose IV Sedation for Your Dental Procedure?

There are many advantages to IV sedation, including:

  • Quick and powerful relaxation effect
  • Minimal memory of the procedure
  • Experience little or no discomfort during treatment
  • Time-saving: Allows you to get several dental treatments done in one appointment
  • Continuous monitoring for your safety and comfort

With IV sedation, visits to the dentist can become manageable—even for the most nervous patients.

Oral Sedation

If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you nervous or anxious, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of people and often prevents them from getting the care they need. Anxiety about pain, previous difficult dental experiences, or a sensitive gag reflex frequently leads patients to postpone or skip essential dental treatments.

Fortunately, oral sedation offers a safe and effective solution that can help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit. With the help of modern sedation techniques, your experience at the dental office can be transformed into something much more manageable—and even pleasant.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is a method of conscious sedation that involves taking medication by mouth before your dental appointment. The sedative works to ease anxiety and promote a profound feeling of relaxation, keeping you calm during the entire procedure. While you'll remain awake and able to respond, you may not remember much of the treatment once it’s over.

This form of sedation is often recommended for patients who want a needle-free option or who feel overwhelmed by the idea of dental procedures. As part of our sedation dentistry services, oral sedation is a simple and patient-friendly way to improve your comfort.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is ideal for people who:

  • Suffer from dental phobia or a strong fear of the dentist
  • Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
  • Dislike needles or IV sedation methods
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex
  • Need lengthy or multiple treatments in one session
  • Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods

Before proceeding, your dentist will evaluate your medical history and discuss any medications you may be taking to ensure oral sedation is a safe option for you.

Understanding the Oral Sedation Procedure

Here’s how the oral sedation process typically works at our dental office:

Initial Consultation: You’ll meet with your dentist for a full evaluation, including a review of your health history and current concerns.

Medication Instructions: If you're a candidate, the dentist will prescribe oral sedative medication. You’ll be given clear directions on when to consume the medication before arriving for your appointment.

Arrival and Monitoring: As the sedative begins to work, you will experience drowsiness and a profound sense of relaxation. Throughout the process, our dental team will keep a close eye on your vital signs to make sure you're safe.

Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, the sedative effects may persist for a few hours. You’ll need someone to accompany you and drive you home, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle safely.

Benefits of Oral Sedation

Oral sedation provides several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many patients:

  • Reduces anxiety and creates a calm experience
  • Enhances comfort during treatment
  • Helps complete more work in fewer visits
  • Encourages regular dental care without fear
  • Minimal memory of the procedure

When dental fear is no longer an obstacle, patients are more likely to maintain regular visits and take better care of their oral health.

Schedule a Consultation for Sedation Dentistry

Oral Sedation and IV Sedation make many procedures more tolerable for the patient. It produces anxiolysis and muscle relaxation. It is advantageous for its rapid effect and minimum disturbance of physiological mechanisms.

Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety, increase comfort, and make dental procedures easier to manage. Whether you need a routine dental procedure or more extensive treatment, oral and IV sedation options can transform your experience at the dental office. These techniques help patients overcome dental fear, manage strong gag reflexes, and sit through longer treatments with ease.

For personalized dental care with a focus on comfort and safety, contact Precision Dentistry at (201) 666-8811 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fung. Discover how sedation dentistry can help you achieve optimal oral health without fear or stress.

Contact the Practice
for more information on the availability of conscious sedation using nitrous oxide.

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