Nervous About Surgery? Comfortable Sedation in New York
It’s completely normal to feel nervous before oral surgery. Whether you’re having a tooth removed, getting dental implants, or undergoing a more complex procedure, anxiety is common.
At Englewood Oral Surgery, we understand that fear of surgery, needles, or even just sitting in the dental chair can hold patients back from getting the care they need. We believe in making your experience as calm, safe, and comfortable as possible.
If you're in New York or New Jersey and looking for a calm, stress-free experience during oral surgery. Our goal is to help you make an informed choice and feel confident about your care.
This article will explain everything you need to know about sedation: what it is, the different types, how we use it, safety concerns, and how to prepare.
First, let’s understand why people feel nervous before they go for any surgery.
Why Patients Feel Nervous Before Surgery
Many patients hesitate to seek treatment due to:
Fear of pain or discomfort
Anxiety about the procedure itself
Bad past experiences with dental work
Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or the clinical environment
Fear of needles or anesthesia
Worry about losing control or being awake during surgery
These are valid feelings. Our job isn’t just to perform your surgery, it’s to make sure you feel safe and supported throughout the entire process.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel relaxed, calm, and sometimes even unaware of their procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, you may be:
Fully awake but relaxed
In a “twilight” state where you’re drowsy and may not remember much
Fully asleep under general anesthesia for complex procedures
At Englewood Oral Surgery, we offer sedation not because something is wrong with you; it’s just that everyone experiences stress differently.
Sedation lets us work more precisely and efficiently because you are calm, still, and not resisting or tense. It can make your surgery safer and your recovery smoother. We offer several types of sedation to meet each patient's unique needs.
Types of Sedation We Offer
1. Local Anesthesia
This numbs the surgical area so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. It’s used for nearly all oral surgeries and may be combined with other forms of sedation.
2. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
A mild sedative is inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose
Helps you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure
Effects wear off quickly, so you can often drive yourself home
Ideal for patients with mild to moderate anxiety
3. Oral Sedation (Pill Form)
A prescribed medication taken before your appointment
Makes you feel deeply relaxed, sleepy, or “out of it” — but you’re still conscious
You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the procedure
Great for those with moderate anxiety or longer procedures
4. IV Sedation (Conscious Sedation)
Administered through a vein, allowing the deepest level of conscious sedation
You may fall asleep and have little or no memory of the procedure
Breathing and heart rate are monitored continuously
Ideal for complex surgeries or patients with high dental anxiety
5. General Anesthesia (Deep Sedation)
You are fully unconscious and monitored by a trained anesthesia provider
Used for the most involved or lengthy procedures
Common in hospital or surgical center settings
How We Keep You Safe During Sedation
Your safety is our top priority. All sedation procedures at Englewood Oral Surgery are:
Administered by highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Carefully monitored throughout the procedure with advanced equipment
Tailored to your medical history, age, and comfort level
Follow strict safety protocols for dosage, monitoring, and recovery
Before your surgery, we’ll:
Review your full health history
Discuss medications, allergies, and past experiences
Explain your sedation options and help you choose what’s best
Provide clear pre- and post-op instructions
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation?
Sedation can be a great option for patients who:
Have dental anxiety or phobia
Need multiple or complex procedures
Have a low pain tolerance
Have strong gag reflexes
Have had negative dental experiences in the past
Struggle to sit still due to medical or behavioral conditions
Most healthy adults are good candidates for sedation. During your consultation, we’ll make sure it’s safe for you and answer any questions.
How to Prepare If You’re Nervous
If you know you’re anxious, there are steps you can take to help make the day go more smoothly:
Write down any questions or concerns beforehand, and bring them to your consultation
Tell us your previous experiences (good or bad) with dental work
Follow preoperative instructions (fasting, medications) carefully
Arrange for someone to drive you home if required
Wear comfortable clothes; bring headphones, a phone charger, and distractions if permitted
What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation
Before Your Procedure:
We’ll go over all instructions, including when to stop eating or drinking
You may need someone to drive you home, depending on the sedation type
Take any medications exactly as instructed
During Your Procedure:
You’ll feel relaxed, sleepy, or unaware of what’s happening
Your vital signs will be monitored closely
The surgical team will keep you safe and comfortable throughout
After Your Procedure:
You may feel drowsy or groggy for a few hours
You’ll need someone to stay with you if you have moderate or deep sedation
You’ll get clear aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery
Benefits of Sedation for Oral Surgery
Reduces fear and anxiety
Makes procedures easier and faster (less movement, more comfort)
Allows multiple treatments in one visit
Improves comfort for patients with sensitive reflexes or complex needs
Helps patients take care of their dental health, who’ve been avoiding
Costs & Insurance
Cost depends on:
Type of sedation (gas, pill, IV, general)
Length and complexity of the procedure
Whether an anesthesiologist is needed
Office vs hospital setting
Insurance often covers the surgical or dental procedure itself. Whether it covers sedation depends on:
Whether sedation is “medically necessary” or mainly for comfort
Your specific insurance policy
At Englewood Oral Surgery, we help you understand your insurance benefits. We provide cost estimates and work with you on payment options.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fear Delay Your Health
Delaying oral surgery because of anxiety or fear can lead to bigger problems: infection, shifting teeth, bone loss, and discomfort. Sedation is a powerful tool that allows you to receive the care you need in a way that respects your comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
At Englewood Oral Surgery, our philosophy is simple:
No patient should avoid care because of fear.
We combine expert surgical care with gentle sedation options to give you the best possible experience from the moment you walk in to your final follow-up.
Whether you’re coming in for wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, or another procedure, we’re here to make sure you feel informed, safe, and supported every step of the way.
Common Questions From Patients
Here are some questions we hear often, with answers:
Is sedation safe?
Yes, when done by experienced professionals, with proper monitoring and medical assessment, sedation is very safe for most healthy patients.
Will I remember anything?
It depends on the level of sedation. With light sedation or nitrous gas, you may remember some parts. With deeper sedation or IV, memory is often fuzzy.
Will I feel pain?
You shouldn’t feel pain because local anesthesia will numb the area, so even if you’re aware, you won’t feel pain. You may feel pressure or sensations.
Can I eat or drink before?
You’ll get specific instructions. For many sedations, you must fast (no food/drink) for a few hours beforehand.
Can I drive myself home?
Usually, no, if you have moderate to deep sedation. Bring a trusted person to take you home.
