Sedation Dentistry in Pennsauken, NJ
Sedation dentistry helps you relax through a dental visit instead of dreading it, with options ranging from a light dose of nitrous oxide to deeper IV sedation. At AZ Dental Spa, we tailor the approach to you, whether that's a nervous adult, a child, or someone with special needs.
A calmer way to get dental work done
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during a dental appointment, so anxiety or a low pain threshold doesn't stand between you and the care you need.
It isn't one single thing. It's a range of options, from a light, quickly-reversible dose of nitrous oxide to an oral sedative pill to monitored IV sedation for longer or more involved procedures. We match the level to the person and the procedure, not the other way around.
Not the same as general anesthesia. With sedation dentistry you're relaxed but still able to breathe on your own and respond if we talk to you. You're not unconscious.
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation
We offer three levels of sedation, and which one makes sense depends on your anxiety, the procedure, and your medical history.
Nitrous Oxide
- Inhaled through a small nasal mask
- Takes effect in minutes, wears off just as fast
- You can drive yourself home afterward
- A common, gentle choice for kids
Oral Sedation
- A pill taken before your appointment
- Leaves you drowsy and relaxed for a few hours
- Many patients remember little of the visit
- Requires a driver for the day
IV Sedation
- Administered and monitored throughout your visit
- Deepest level of sedation we offer
- Best fit for longer or more involved procedures
- Requires a driver and a quiet rest of the day
If the dentist makes you anxious, you're not alone
Dental anxiety is common, and it's one of the biggest reasons people put off care they actually need. That delay tends to make small problems bigger, which only feeds the anxiety. Sedation dentistry breaks that cycle. Whether it's a needle, the sounds, the sensations, or just the chair itself that gets to you, we can match a sedation option to how anxious you feel, from a light dose of nitrous oxide to something deeper. The goal is simple: making it possible for you to get treatment without dreading it.
Sedation dentistry for children
Kids get nervous at the dentist too, and sedation dentistry for children is a gentle way to make a visit easier for them, and for you.
Who tends to benefit from sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry isn't only for people who are afraid of the dentist, though that's a big part of it. A few situations tend to come up often.
What to expect from a sedated appointment
Here's the general flow, whichever sedation option you end up with.
Consultation — we review your medical history and anxiety level to find the right sedation option for you.
Pre-visit instructions — for oral or IV sedation, we'll tell you exactly what to eat, skip, and arrange (like a driver) beforehand.
Sedation administered — nitrous through a nasal mask, a pill swallowed before your appointment, or an IV line placed and monitored.
Treatment — we carry out the procedure while monitoring you throughout.
Recovery — nitrous wears off within minutes; oral and IV sedation take a few hours to fully clear.
Bring a driver if you're having oral or IV sedation. Nitrous oxide is the only option where driving yourself home is fine.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when it's given by a trained provider who monitors you throughout the visit, which is exactly how we do it.
Before we sedate you
We go over your medical history and current medications so the option we pick fits you safely.
While you're sedated
You're monitored throughout, and you're still able to breathe on your own and respond if we speak to you.
After your visit
We give you clear discharge instructions, and someone drives you home if you had oral or IV sedation.
What to do (and skip) afterward
Nitrous oxide clears within minutes, so there's little to plan around. Oral and IV sedation need a bit more preparation for the rest of the day.
Do
- Arrange a driver in advance for oral or IV sedation
- Plan a quiet rest of the day after oral or IV sedation
- Follow the eating instructions we give you before your visit
- Ask questions if anything about the process is unclear
Don't
- Drive yourself home after oral or IV sedation
- Make important decisions or sign documents the same day
- Operate machinery for the rest of the day
- Skip telling us about medications you're currently taking
What sedation dentistry costs
Cost depends on which type of sedation you need and the procedure it's paired with. Nitrous oxide is generally the most affordable option, while oral and IV sedation cost more due to the extra monitoring involved. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Ask us for a specific estimate before you commit to anything.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers. He prioritizes sedation dentistry as part of making every visit stress-free, for patients of all ages, including children and those with special needs.
Sedation dentistry near you in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
“This is the best place to go for dental work. I'm treated like family when I walk in the door. I got my front four replaced recently and would recommend this place to anyone and everyone.”
Questions about sedation dentistry
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during a dental visit, ranging from mild (nitrous oxide) to moderate (oral sedation) to deeper (IV sedation). You're still able to breathe on your own and respond, but you feel calm instead of anxious.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when it's given by a trained provider who monitors you throughout the visit, which is how we do it. We review your medical history first so the sedation option we recommend fits you safely.
What's the difference between nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation?
Nitrous oxide is the mildest option, inhaled through a nasal mask and worn off within minutes. Oral sedation is a pill taken before your appointment that leaves you drowsy and relaxed for a few hours. IV sedation goes deepest and is monitored closely, typically used for longer or more involved procedures.
Can children get sedation dentistry?
Yes. Nitrous oxide is a common, gentle option for kids who are nervous about the dentist, and we tailor the approach to each child's age and comfort level.
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
No, not with the level of sedation we use. You'll be deeply relaxed, and many patients don't remember much of the visit afterward, but you're not put under general anesthesia.
Can I drive myself home after sedation dentistry?
It depends on the type. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, so driving yourself is fine. With oral or IV sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home and it's best to plan a quiet rest of the day.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
It depends on which type of sedation you need and the procedure it's paired with. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club — ask us for a specific estimate.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Some plans cover sedation when it's medically necessary or paired with a covered procedure. We accept most major dental insurance and can help you check your specific benefits.
Is sedation dentistry good for people with dental anxiety?
Yes, that's one of the most common reasons patients ask for it. Dental anxiety is common and it shouldn't be the reason you put off care. Sedation options range from mild to deeper, so we can match the level to how anxious you feel.
What should I eat before sedation dentistry?
For nitrous oxide, a light meal beforehand is fine. For oral or IV sedation, you'll typically be asked to avoid food for several hours before your appointment — we'll give you exact instructions when we schedule you.
How long does sedation dentistry last?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of removing the mask. Oral sedation can leave you drowsy for a few hours afterward. IV sedation effects also fade over a few hours, which is why a driver is required.
Is sedation dentistry available for patients with special needs?
Yes. We work with patients of all ages, including those with special needs, to find a sedation approach that makes treatment possible and comfortable.
Anxious About the Dentist? We Can Help.
Sedation dentistry makes it possible to get the care you need without the dread. Book your visit and we'll take it from there.