SEDATION
Safe, gentle sedation dentistry for children
From laughing gas to deeper options, we match the lightest effective choice to your child — and walk you through every step first.
Some kids breeze through the dentist. Others need help to feel safe — and that's okay. At Say Cheez in Paramus, we offer sedation dentistry for anxious kids and longer treatments, always starting with the lightest option that works. Our goal is a calm visit, not the deepest sedation.
What's included
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
The lightest and most common option. Your child breathes it through a small nose mask, feels calm and a little giggly, and stays fully awake. It wears off within minutes, so most kids head right back to their day.
Oral sedation
For a bit more relaxation, a measured dose of medicine before the visit leaves your child drowsy and at ease but still awake. A good fit when laughing gas alone isn't quite enough.
In-office IV sedation
For children who need it, we offer IV sedation right here in our office — staffed by both a licensed pediatric anesthesiologist and a dental anesthesiologist. That means the most complex or anxiety-heavy visits can happen safely in one familiar place, without a separate trip to the hospital. We'll walk you through every option and answer all your questions first — call us at (201) 345-3637.
The lightest effective option, on purpose
We start with the least we can, not the most. Many families come to us after another office jumped straight to general anesthesia — and tell us later how glad they were to have a gentler path on the table first. We talk through every option before we begin.
What to expect at the visit
- 1 We talk with you about your child's anxiety, health history, and the treatment needed, then recommend the lightest sedation that fits.
- 2 You'll get simple prep instructions ahead of time — what to eat, when to stop, and what to bring.
- 3 On the day, we keep the room calm, explain things in kid-friendly words, and monitor your child closely the whole time.
- 4 Afterward, we go over recovery with you and answer every question before you leave.
Why parents choose Say Cheez for this
- Parents repeatedly credit us with avoiding the general anesthesia another office pushed — because we reach for the gentlest option first.
- We explain everything, move at your child's pace, and never rush a nervous kid.
- Kids who used to dread the chair often surprise their parents by staying calm — the whole approach is built to earn that trust.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is sedation safe for my child?
Yes. We use safe, controlled methods matched to your child's age, health, and needs, and monitor them closely throughout. Deeper IV sedation is given and watched by a licensed anesthesiologist.
Which kids benefit from sedation?
Sedation helps kids who feel real anxiety or fear, have trouble sitting still for longer visits, need several treatments in one appointment, or have special healthcare needs that make a typical visit hard.
Will my child be asleep?
Usually not. With laughing gas or oral sedation, your child stays awake but relaxed. Only deeper IV sedation, used for bigger cases, brings your child to a sleep-like state — always monitored by an anesthesiologist.
Do you always recommend the strongest option?
No — the opposite. We start with the lightest choice that will work and only go deeper if your child truly needs it. We'll walk you through the options before anything begins.
How long does laughing gas take to wear off?
Nitrous oxide clears quickly, usually within a few minutes of removing the mask. Most kids feel back to normal by the time they leave, which is one reason it's our go-to for mild nerves.
Do you offer sedation for children in your office?
Yes — including in-office IV sedation staffed by both a licensed pediatric anesthesiologist and a dental anesthesiologist, so even complex visits can happen safely in one familiar place. Call us at (201) 345-3637 and we’ll review what’s right for your child.
Can my child be treated under sedation without going to a hospital?
In many cases, yes — our in-office IV sedation, with a pediatric anesthesiologist and a dental anesthesiologist on site, lets many children avoid a hospital trip. Call us and we’ll talk through your child’s needs.