Our services · Merrick, NY

Sedation dentistry in Merrick, NY

Fear of the dentist keeps many people from getting the care they need. At Modern Dental Hub in Merrick, NY, sedation dentistry helps anxious patients, patients with a strong gag reflex and patients facing longer procedures stay relaxed and comfortable. After a consultation, our dentists explain which sedation options are suitable for you, and we monitor you closely throughout your visit.

Book online Call (516) 855-6855

Digital X-rays and 3D imagingModern diagnostics for precise, conservative treatment plans
Same-day emergency visitsWhen possible, we see dental emergencies the same day
Most major PPO plans acceptedOur office verifies your benefits before treatment
Evening hours Tue–ThuOpen until 7 PM three days a week, 10–5 on Mondays and Fridays

Who sedation dentistry can help

Sedation may be a good fit if you:

Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits, or have put off treatment because of past experiences.
Have a strong gag reflex that makes impressions, X-rays or work on the back teeth difficult.
Are having a longer or more involved procedure, such as dental implants, several extractions or multiple fillings or crowns in one visit.
Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthetic alone, or find it hard to sit still for long periods.

Sedation is not for everyone. Certain medical conditions, medications and allergies affect which options are safe, which is why we begin with a consultation and a full review of your health history.

What sedation dentistry is

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental treatment. Depending on the option, you may feel calm but fully awake, drowsy and less aware of time, or in a deeper state of relaxation from which you remember little of the appointment. Dental sedation is not the same as general anesthesia; you continue to breathe on your own and can respond to your dentist.

The sedation options that suit you are discussed at your consultation, based on your anxiety level, the length and type of treatment and your medical history. Whatever option is chosen, we also numb the area with local anesthetic. Sedation helps you relax; local anesthetic is what keeps the treatment comfortable. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain.

What to expect

Most patients who choose sedation describe their visit as calm and far shorter than it felt in the past. Time passes quickly, and treatment that might otherwise take several visits can often be grouped into fewer appointments.

Throughout your appointment, a member of our team monitors you, including your breathing, heart rate and oxygen level as appropriate for the type of sedation. You are never left alone while sedated.

How you feel afterward depends on the option used. With lighter options, you may feel back to normal shortly after the visit. With deeper options, you will feel drowsy for several hours and must have an adult take you home. Results and the experience of sedation vary from person to person.

How it works, step by step

Consultation. You meet with one of our dentists to talk about your concerns, your health history, your medications and the treatment you need. We explain which sedation options are suitable and answer your questions.
Preparation. We give you written instructions: when to stop eating and drinking before the visit, which medications to take as usual and whether you need a driver.
The appointment. We review your instructions and confirm how you are feeling. The sedation is given, and once you are relaxed, we numb the area with local anesthetic and begin treatment. You are monitored the entire time.
Recovery. After treatment, you rest in the chair until you are ready to leave. We go over your aftercare with you and with your driver.
Follow-up. We schedule any remaining treatment and make sure you know how to reach us with questions while you recover.

Aftercare and recovery

Have an adult take you home and, if you had deeper sedation, stay with you for the rest of the day.
Do not drive, operate machinery, sign important documents or make major decisions until the following day if you had anything beyond the lightest option.
Rest for the remainder of the day. Drowsiness, a dry mouth or slight nausea can occur and usually pass within hours.
Start with water and soft foods once any numbness has worn off. Avoid alcohol until the sedation has fully cleared.
Call the office if you have questions or anything feels wrong.

Cost, insurance and payment

The cost of sedation depends on the option chosen and the length of the appointment, and it is separate from the cost of the dental treatment itself. After your consultation, we give you a written estimate that shows each part clearly.

Modern Dental Hub accepts 24 dental insurance plans. Some plans cover sedation for certain procedures, while others do not; benefits and coverage should be verified with the office before treatment. See our insurance page. Flexible payment options are available for patients without insurance; contact the office or visit our payment options page to discuss available arrangements.

Current offer

New Patient Special

Exam, consultation and 3 X-rays. Contact the office to confirm eligibility and offer terms.

Verify your plan: call (516) 855-6855 Insurance we accept Payment options

Frequently asked questions

Will I be asleep?

It depends on the option. With lighter sedation you are awake, relaxed and able to talk with your dentist. With deeper options you are drowsy and may remember little of the appointment.

Is sedation safe?

Sedation is safe for most healthy patients when the option is chosen carefully and you are monitored throughout. We review your full health history and medications at your consultation, and we tell you plainly if sedation is not recommended in your case.

Do I still need to be numbed?

Yes. Sedation helps you relax and makes the visit feel shorter, but local anesthetic is what keeps the treatment itself comfortable. We always numb the area being treated.

Do I need someone to drive me?

For most sedation options, yes. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and, for deeper options, to stay with you for the rest of the day.

Can I eat before my appointment?

It depends on the option. Some require that you not eat or drink for several hours beforehand. We give you written instructions at your consultation.

How do I get started?

Book a consultation online or call (516) 855-6855. Tell us when you book that you are interested in sedation, so that we can set aside enough time to go through your options.

Myths and facts

Myth: Sedation means being put completely under

Fact: Dental sedation ranges from light relaxation to a deeper, drowsy state. In all cases you continue to breathe on your own, and your dentist can communicate with you.

Myth: Sedation replaces numbing

Fact: Sedation relaxes you; local anesthetic keeps the treatment comfortable. We always use both.

Myth: You can drive yourself home after sedation

Fact: For most sedation options, you must have an adult drive you home. The medication affects judgment and reaction time for hours after you feel normal.

Have a question about sedation dentistry? Our team will explain your options after an examination.

Book online Call (516) 855-6855

Our dentists

The dentists who provide this care

Meet the whole team

Dr. Margarita Kaus

Education and training

New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Northwell Health (Residency)
Read more about Dr. Margarita Kaus
Dr. Isaak Rubinov

Education and training

New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Kings County Hospital Center, Residency in General Practice
Read more about Dr. Isaak Rubinov
Dr. Jonathan Zaika

Education and training

New York University College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Read more about Dr. Jonathan Zaika
Dr. Stanley Faynblut

Education and training

Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery (Summa Cum Laude); NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, General Practice Residency
Read more about Dr. Stanley Faynblut