Sedation Dentistry in Manhattan, NYC

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s ideal for individuals with dental phobias, a strong gag reflex, heightened sensitivity, or those undergoing longer or more involved treatments.

Sedation is customized to your needs and level of anxiety. Our options range from light, short-acting relaxation techniques to deeper sedation for those who require more significant support.

Sedation Options Offered

We provide three forms of sedation to accommodate a wide variety of patients and procedures:

IV Sedation

Delivered intravenously, this method offers a deeper level of relaxation. While you remain conscious and able to respond, you’ll feel calm and may remember little to nothing of the procedure. This option is especially useful for surgical treatments such as dental implants, tooth extractions, or multi-visit dental work consolidated into one appointment.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Taken as a pill prior to your appointment, oral sedation provides moderate relaxation without the need for needles. It’s commonly used for patients with moderate anxiety and can be combined with local anesthesia for a completely pain-free experience.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This mild sedative is inhaled through a small nose mask and works within minutes. It helps reduce tension and wears off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your visit. It’s often recommended for children or patients undergoing routine dental procedures.

Each method is administered under careful supervision and customized based on your health history, comfort level, and the nature of your treatment.

When to Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation may be right for you if you:

• Avoid dental visits due to fear or past trauma
• Have trouble sitting still for long periods
• Experience strong gag reflexes or jaw sensitivity
• Need multiple treatments in a single session
• Are scheduled for oral surgery or advanced restorative procedures

It can also be beneficial for children or teens receiving care through our pediatric dentistry services who may need help staying calm in the chair.

Care Led by Experienced Providers

Dr. Yohan Kim, Dr. Violet Jang, Dr. Jonathan Wu and Dr. Kate Zhang and Dr. Sahiba Atwal-Purewal are skilled in providing safe, effective sedation to patients across all ages and health backgrounds. They’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and determine the best option based on your medical history, level of anxiety, and treatment goals.

Our entire team is trained to monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort, no matter which sedation method you choose.

What to Expect Before and After Sedation

• Before: You’ll receive detailed pre-appointment instructions, including whether to avoid food or drink and whether a companion is required to escort you to and from the office.
• During: Your vitals will be continuously monitored to ensure safety throughout the procedure.
• After: Depending on the type of sedation used, you may feel groggy or disoriented for a short period. For IV or oral sedation, we require that someone accompany you home.

For patients with limited insurance coverage, our membership and financing options can help make sedation more accessible as part of your complete care plan.