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Sedation Dentistry in
Staten Island, NY
We Cater to Cowards: Nitrous and Oral Sedation
- Two levels of sedation to choose from
- Sedation for Every Implant Stage
- Free Consult With Smile Preview
- 200+ 5-Star Google Reviews
Paying for Sedation Dentistry
sedation reviews
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. Insurance may help cover a portion of your treatment, and we accept several financing options that can help you cover the rest.
Don't Put Off Dental Care We Cater to Cowards
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.
Our Sedation Options
At our dental practice in Staten Island, NY, we offer two forms of sedation. Both are conscious sedation methods, meaning you will remain awake and able to respond during your treatment, but feel calm and relaxed. Before your procedure, we will explain both types to you and determine which is best for your specific needs.
Oral Sedation
- Best for: Longer or more involved procedures, and patients with higher dental anxiety
- How it works: Drs. Jason and Alex Hecht prescribe a sedative in pill form, taken before your appointment; the dosage depends on your weight, the length of the procedure, and other factors
- What to expect: A deeper, more relaxed state throughout your treatment; little or no memory of treatment after
- Driver needed: Yes. You will need someone to drive you home
- Recovery: Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day
Nitrous Oxide
- Best for: Shorter visits and lighter relaxation; safe for both children and adults
- How it works: Inhaled through a small mask, with the doctor adjusting the level throughout to keep you comfortable
- What to expect: Eased dental phobia and a calm, euphoric feeling during treatment
- Driver needed: Usually no. Most patients can drive themselves home
- Recovery: Effects wear off within a few minutes after the mask is removed
How Do I Choose a Sedation Dentist?
Dental sedation can be an incredible benefit to those who have avoided the dentist for far too long. However, 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 60 years of combined 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.
Candidacy for Sedation
To undergo dental treatment while sedated, you must be in good overall 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. Your safety is our priority, and we will make sure that you can safely receive sedation before recommending this option.
Sedation Dentistry 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 sedation is appropriate for you.
Recovering After Sedation
Your aftercare instructions will vary based on the procedure you have performed. 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.
FAQ About Sedation Dentistry in Staten Island, NY
How long do the effects last?
How long the effects last will depend on the sedation method you choose. If you choose oral conscious 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. 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 drive you home at the end of your treatment.
Which procedures involve sedation?
We often recommend sedation when patients are going to undergo more involved procedures like dental implant surgery, extractions, or bone grafting. However, patients with acute dental anxiety can choose to be sedated for any procedure, including minimally invasive treatments like veneer placement and dental bonding.
