Avenel & Woodbridge Township Sedation Dentistry

Anxiety-Free Treatment for All Ages

If you or anyone in your family suffers from dental anxiety, White Oak Dental & Orthodontics offers sedation dentistry to help ease the stress. We have two options: nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and oral conscious sedation.

Why We Use Sedation Dentistry

At White Oak Dental & Orthodontics, we aim to make every dental visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible for patients of all ages.

Sometimes, a relaxed environment isn't enough to ease patient anxiety. That's where sedation dentistry comes in. It's an option to make any dental experience smoother and more comfortable.

Here are some reasons why Dr. Aquino would use sedation dentistry for you or a family member:

  • Difficulty staying still for extended periods
  • Anxiety or fear that makes dental procedures challenging
  • Restlessness that could impact the quality of treatment
  • Need for a longer or more complex dental procedure
  • Medical conditions that make traditional dental settings less suitable
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Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

At White Oak Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Aquino, Dr. Slezak, and Dr. Shim keep nerves in check with gentle nitrous oxide (better known as "laughing gas"). A few sweet‑smelling breaths help kids and adults feel calm while we work.

How Laughing Gas Works

A soft nose mask delivers a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. You stay awake and can talk with us, but the sounds and sensations fade into the background.

When your visit wraps up, we flow pure oxygen through the mask for a couple of minutes. The fog lifts almost instantly, so you can head back to school, work, or errands without missing a beat.

Nitrous is mild and safe; on rare occasions, it may cause a touch of queasiness, so eating a light snack beforehand is smart.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Need a deeper level of calm than laughing gas can give? Oral conscious sedation may be the answer.

Dr. Aquino prescribes a small pill that you take on the day of the procedure. By the time you sit in the chair, worries fade, and your body feels loose. But you're still awake and able to respond to simple questions.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

First, you'll take the prescribed pill with a small sip of water before your procedure. As it takes effect, you'll feel comfortably drowsy. You'll remain relaxed and will remember little of the procedure.

Throughout your visit, we'll closely monitor your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to keep you safe from start to finish.

Because the pill can leave you drowsy for several hours, bring a trusted adult to drive you home and keep an eye on you for the rest of the day. Most patients nap, then wake up feeling normal—just with their dental work already done.

Oral conscious sedation bridges the gap between mild nitrous oxide and full anesthesia, giving anxious kids, teens, and adults a comfortable middle ground for smooth, single‑visit care.

Learn More About
Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Aquino and our dental team understand that each patient has unique needs. We take the time to explore all available options to make your dental visits in Avenel as easy and hassle-free as possible.

Do you have questions about the best dental care options for you or your family? Reach out to White Oak Dental & Orthodontics. We're here to make dental visits less daunting and more enjoyable for everyone.