Dental patient relaxing with eyes closed

Sedation Dentistry

Many patients avoid going to the dentist because of dental sensitivity, difficulty sitting still, or fear of pain.

At Designing Smiles in Hackensack, NJ, we offer sedation options so you can receive the dental care you need without anxiety or discomfort.

Learn more about sedation dentistry with Dr. Judith Mamah and our caring dental team...

Who Chooses Sedation Dentistry? Sedation Can Help If You...

Have Dental Anxiety

Many adults avoid trips to the dentist because dental care makes them nervous. Sedation can calm the nerves of patients with dental phobia and enable them to undergo necessary procedures.

Are Especially Sensitive to Discomfort

Some patients have a more sensitive gag reflex or feel discomfort from dentistry more acutely. The sedation options at our Hackensack practice dull the senses so these patients can sit comfortably through a dental appointment.

Require Extensive Treatment

If you require multiple procedures to preserve your dental health, such as full mouth reconstruction, sedation can help you sit through several treatments in one appointment, limiting the need for future visits and lowering your stress and overall costs.

Anxious about Dentistry? You Are Not Alone

Patients Rave about Sedation Dentistry Real 5-Star Reviews

I extremely love this office . I had 2 visits in 1 month with over 4 procedures per visit. Sedation is everything!! No pain and no soreness after. Cant believe I now look forward to my next appointment. Cant wait to fix my smile go back and whiten my teeth so I can finally smile so hard that my face hurts Love them... Team is great and Dr Mamah is wonderful. I might as well be handing out their business cards because I'm definitely a walking sample of a satisfied patient.

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I had a great experience here. As a person who has terrible anxiety about visiting the dentist this place was a game changer. They offer sedation and will work to get a lot done in as few visits as possible to minimize anxiety - often it’s the anticipation that is far worse than thenvisit itself for me. Dr. Mamah and my hygienist Deborah were calming and reassuring. I was able to be sedated and get all my dental work done in one marathon visit. I had 10+ years of neglect addressed and I barely remember any of it. Thank you Designing Smiles.

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Our Sedation Options

At Designing Smiles in Hackensack, NJ, our dentist offers three safe, effective sedation dentistry options in addition to local anesthesia: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. We offer these options for any dental procedure that might cause anxiety.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a very mild sedative and is safe to use for dental patients of all ages. This colorless gas is inhaled through a comfortable facial mask during treatment, and the dosage is controlled by our dentists to suit your individual needs. Nitrous oxide will not interfere with your ability to breathe normally, nor cause a gagging reflex. In fact, it works to prevent this reflex in sensitive patients.

As a gentle sedative, nitrous oxide inhibits pain and promotes a calm, relaxed feeling. You remain conscious throughout treatment and are able to communicate, as needed. The gas takes effect very quickly and wears off just as quickly, so you will leave the office feeling alert and able to return to daily tasks such as driving.

Woman receiving nitrous oxide — Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild but effective form of sedation dentistry.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation provides a deep level of relaxation, which some patients prefer during dental treatment. With this method, Dr. Mamah provides you with a prescription for a sedative to take at home before your appointment. During treatment, you will remain conscious but should feel very calm and relaxed, even if extensive dental work is needed.

There are several types of medication available for oral sedation, some of which also work to reduce your memory of your dental procedure. Patients who are very fearful or have dental phobia may benefit from this option. The pills will make you feel slightly drowsy, so you will need to arrange for transportation to and from our convenient offices in Hackensack, NJ.

Woman shaking pills from bottle into palm — Patients who choose oral sedation take a prescribed sedative before their appointment.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is the most powerful form of sedation dentistry we offer. With this method, our doctors administer a controlled amount of sedative directly into your bloodstream to ensure a rapid, effective onset.

We can use IV sedation to render patients completely unconscious during lengthier procedures like dental implant placement. It can also be used to help especially anxious patients enter a "twilight state," in which they are still conscious and cooperative but won't remember anything about their treatment.

Patients who choose IV sedation must arrange for a friend or family member to drive them to and from their appointment.

IV sedation is a great choice for patients who require more advanced procedures.

Experience Gentle, Comfortable Dentistry

Dr. Mamah and her entire staff practice gentle dentistry in a soothing office environment. Rest assured, our team of dental professionals will do all we can to provide you with a pleasant appointment. We would love to help you maintain excellent oral health and a beautiful smile through sedation dentistry.