Stop Letting Fear Stand Between You and a Healthy Smile
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off necessary care, sometimes for years. Whether it's a negative experience with a previous dentist, a fear of needles, or simply the sounds and sensations of a dental office, that anxiety is real, and it deserves a real solution. At Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island, Dr. Dean Glasser has been helping anxious patients get the care they need comfortably and confidently for decades.
Sedation dentistry isn't just for major procedures. If sitting in the dental chair makes your heart race, or if you've been putting off treatment you know you need, sedation may be the right option for you. Dr. Glasser offers multiple sedation approaches from mild nitrous oxide to deeper IV sedation, so the level of relaxation always matches your needs.
Dr. Glasser's Melville dental office serves patients throughout Huntington, Farmingdale, and Syosset. Call (631) 423-6767 to schedule a consultation or ask about which sedation option is right for you. Saturday appointments are available.
Why Choose Dr. Glasser for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is only as safe and effective as the provider administering it. Dr. Glasser brings credentials and experience that set him apart.
- State-certified for enteral sedation: Dr. Glasser is certified by the New York State Department of Health for the administration of enteral sedation, oral medication, and inhalation agents
- Decades of experience: Practicing since 1985, with a General Practice residency completed at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
- All procedures performed in-office: From routine cleanings to complex dental implant surgery, everything is done under one roof with continuity of care
- Ultramodern facility: State-of-the-art equipment, including cone beam/CAT scan, 3D printing, and digital imaging
- Saturday hours available: Convenient scheduling for patients who can't take weekdays off
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment. Despite being called "sleep dentistry" in popular conversation, most patients remain awake. They simply feel deeply at ease and have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Sedation doesn't replace local anesthesia, which is still used to eliminate physical discomfort. What sedation addresses is the anxiety, the dread, and the mental barrier that keeps so many patients from getting the care they need. Dr. Glasser typically administers local anesthesia after sedation takes effect, so even the injection itself feels manageable.
Types of Sedation at Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island
Depending on your anxiety level and the procedure being performed, Dr. Glasser may recommend one of three sedation depths.
Conscious Sedation
The most commonly used level. You feel relaxed and at ease, remain awake, and can still respond to instructions. Most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure afterward. This is appropriate for most dental treatments. These may include:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Inhaled, wears off quickly, patients stay fully responsive
- Oral Conscious Sedation: A pill taken before the appointment that produces drowsiness and amnesia, but patients can still follow instructions
- IV Minimal Sedation: Low-dose intravenous anxiolytic, titrated carefully to keep the patient awake and communicative
Deep Sedation
Used for patients with more significant anxiety or lengthy procedures. You exist in a state between consciousness and unconsciousness, deeply unaware of your surroundings and unable to respond to commands. Some patients may require breathing assistance at this level.
- IV Moderate-to-Deep Sedation: Patient is heavily sedated, largely unresponsive to verbal commands, may require airway monitoring or supplemental oxygen
Unconscious Sedation
Requires general anesthesia and carries additional risks. This level is reserved primarily for oral surgery cases where lighter sedation is not sufficient. Dr. Glasser will discuss this option only when clinically appropriate.
Not sure which sedation option is right for you? Dr. Glasser will walk you through your choices at your consultation. Call (631) 423-6767 to get started. Saturday appointments are available.
Patient Testimonial
"I’ve been going to Dr. Glasser for decades. He has made my dental experience pleasant every time regardless of the procedure. I trust his judgment and my teeth never looked better/healthier. His staff are caring, friendly, and professional. I went to him multiple times during the pandemic and they’re cleanliness and safety measures are top notch."
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Many patients are uneasy at just the thought of undergoing dental work. For patients who've been avoiding the dentist, sedation allows these patients to gain a sense of comfort about the often complex and lengthy dental procedures they are about to undergo.
- Eliminates or dramatically reduces anxiety before and during treatment
- Makes lengthy procedures feel short; patients often feel as though a 90-minute appointment lasted only minutes
- Allows more work per visit; Dr. Glasser can often complete procedures that would otherwise require multiple appointments in a single session
- Reduces the gag reflex, making back-of-mouth work far more comfortable
- Opens the door to elective and cosmetic procedures that patients previously felt too anxious to pursue
- Injection anxiety is reduced; Dr. Glasser administers local anesthesia after sedation takes effect, so the needle itself is rarely a concern
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is appropriate for a wide range of patients. You may benefit if you:
- Have a low pain threshold or highly sensitive teeth
- Experience significant anxiety at the thought of dental treatment
- Have a strong or easily triggered gag reflex
- Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
- Have been avoiding necessary care because of fear
What to Expect After Your Sedation Appointment
A smooth recovery starts with a little preparation. Here's what to keep in mind.
- Arrange a driver if you're receiving oral or IV sedation
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after deeper sedation
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your procedure
- Follow fasting instructions if provided, typically required for IV sedation
- Drowsiness is normal; it resolves within several hours for most patients
- Mild nausea can occur, especially with oral or IV sedation; eating a light, bland snack once cleared usually helps
Sedation Dentistry Cost and Financing
The cost of sedation varies based on the method used, the length of your procedure, and any treatments performed during the same visit. Dr. Glasser's team is happy to walk you through expected costs before your appointment so there are no surprises.
- Nitrous Oxide: typically the most affordable sedation option, often $75–$150
- Oral Sedation: generally $150–$500, depending on medication and dosage
- IV Sedation: typically $300–$900+ depending on procedure length and complexity
Some insurance plans cover sedation when deemed medically necessary. We'll help verify your benefits. Financing options are also available to help make costs manageable.
Important Considerations and Risks of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has a strong safety record, but it isn't appropriate for every patient. Sedation is generally not recommended for claustrophobic patients, those who have a blocked nasal passage, are significantly obese, or have obstructive sleep apnea. Patients on certain medications may also require additional screening before sedation is approved.
Mild side effects can occur after sedation. Dr. Glasser will review your complete health history and discuss any individual risk factors before recommending a sedation protocol.
Possible Side Effects
- Drowsiness or grogginess lasting several hours post-procedure
- Mild nausea, particularly with oral or IV sedation
- Lightheadedness, especially when standing up after the procedure
- Temporary memory gaps around the time of the appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Consultation in Melville
Fear and anxiety should never be the reason you go without dental care. Dr. Glasser has helped patients throughout Melville, Huntington, Farmingdale, and Syosset overcome their dental fears and get back on track with their oral health—comfortably, safely, and on their own terms. Call (631) 423-6767 to schedule your sedation consultation with our Long Island dentist. Saturday appointments are available, and new patients are always welcome.
