Our oral surgeon in Union City offers several sedation options to ensure your comfort and safety during oral surgery procedures. Whether you require a simple extraction or complex jaw reconstruction, our team will discuss the most appropriate sedation method for your specific needs and medical history.
LOCAL ANESTHETIC
The most common type of local anesthetic is lidocaine, which is administered by injection into the surgical area. The use of a local anesthetic alone is recommended only for simple surgical procedures, such as gum treatments and tooth extractions. Local anesthetics will always be used in conjunction with any other methods of sedation you require.
NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION WITH LOCAL ANESTHETIC
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is administered through a small mask that fits over your nose. It is an effective way to calm anxiety and raise your pain threshold. At the end of your surgery, you’ll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can return to your normal activities immediately.
IN-OFFICE IV SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA
Patients who receive IV sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their surgical procedure. They often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the process.
We recommend that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off. Thus, driving may be unsafe.
Dr. Herbst offers wisdom tooth removal and full-mouth reconstruction procedures with in-office IV sedation for qualifying patients.
HOSPITAL-BASED GENERAL ANESTHESIA
In some cases, we recommend oral surgery in a hospital setting. This is generally for facial and jaw reconstruction, TMJ surgery, and patients who have complex medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. General anesthesia administered in a hospital setting is done by an anesthesiologist, who will also monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.
PRE- AND POST-SEDATION CARE
Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, do not eat or drink for eight hours prior to your surgical appointment, with the exception of daily medications taken with a small amount of water.
Because general anesthesia causes drowsiness for several hours after it is administered, you will be required to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment. After your treatment, you should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Options in Union City
Our Union City office offers four levels of sedation depending on your procedure and comfort level. Local anesthetic is used for straightforward procedures like simple extractions. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) paired with local anesthetic helps patients feel relaxed while remaining fully conscious. In-office IV sedation provides a deeper, twilight-like experience where patients often have little to no memory of the procedure. For complex cases or patients with certain medical conditions, hospital-based general anesthesia is also available.
Nitrous oxide creates a calm, pleasant sensation often described as a feeling of warmth and relaxation. It raises your pain threshold and reduces anxiety while keeping you fully conscious and able to respond to the team. Importantly, all effects of nitrous oxide clear within minutes of stopping the gas, so most patients can drive themselves home afterward. Your surgeon will confirm this is appropriate based on your procedure and any other medications you have taken.
IV sedation places patients in a twilight state where they drift between light consciousness and sleep. Most patients have no memory of the procedure and feel as though it lasted only moments. While under IV sedation, you remain able to breathe independently and will respond if spoken to, but you will be deeply relaxed and unaware of your surroundings. Dr. Herbst is extensively trained in administering and monitoring in-office IV sedation, making it a safe and well-established option for oral surgery procedures at our Union City location.
Yes. If you receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment, as the effects take several hours to fully clear. You should also avoid driving, operating machinery, or drinking alcohol for the rest of that day. Patients receiving only local anesthetic or nitrous oxide are typically cleared to drive, though we recommend having someone accompany you if you feel uncertain.
Unless specifically instructed otherwise by our team, do not eat or drink anything for eight hours before your appointment, with the exception of essential daily medications taken with a small sip of water. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arrange for a trusted adult to be with you before, during, and after your procedure. Our team will review a complete pre-operative checklist with you at your consultation.
Appointment Request
The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment
Our Union City team brings decades of specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing expert care for everything from routine extractions to complex reconstructive procedures. Board-certified and committed to patient comfort, our surgeons use advanced techniques and in-office anesthesia to deliver safe, efficient results.
Your comfort and confidence matter to us. Our Union City team takes the time to explain every step of your procedure so you know exactly what to expect. We’ve built lasting relationships with patients and referring dentists throughout Hudson County by delivering consistent, compassionate surgical care.
Insurance & Financing Options
We make quality oral surgery care affordable with flexible payment options. Our Union City office is proud to serve patients from West New York, North Bergen, Weehawken, Guttenberg, and the surrounding Hudson County communities.
Insurance
Our Union City team works directly with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits. We handle the paperwork, verify your coverage, and provide cost estimates upfront so there are no surprises.
Flexible Financing
Don’t let cost stand in the way of your care. We offer financing through CareCredit and other trusted partners, with flexible monthly payment plans designed to fit your budget.
Questions? Call our Union City office at (201) 601-9262 to discuss your insurance coverage or financing options.
We're Here When You're Ready
From your first call to your final follow-up, our Union City team is with you every step of the way.
