Hospital-trained sedation dental services for every patient’s comfort and safety
What sets our team apart:
Complex History
Patients with complex medical histories who require hospital support
Fear
Patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia.
Challenges
Individuals with developmental disabilities, Autism, or sensory challenges
Medical Conditions
Those with medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or cardiac concerns
Learn more about our:
Why we are different
Full range (nitrous, oral, IV, GA) delivered by physician anesthesiologists
Active hospital privileges; surgeries performed regularly in OR settings
45+ years of experience with phobic, disabled, and medically complex patients
Streamlined scheduling: 24/7 emergency and after hours; immediate availability.
Full range possible, but provider is a student under supervision
Care in teaching hospitals; limited slots; very limited availability
Acceptance depends on teaching priorities
Waitlists may be months long—even up to two years
Usually nitrous or oral pills; very few offer IV/GA; dentists may have limited sedation training
Rare; most never treat in hospitals
Often referred out if too risky
Standard scheduling
We serve the following hospitals:
Methods of Sedation Dentistry
The Blende Dental Group works with each individual to determine the most appropriate approach to sedation dentistry. For those who need to be asleep, we offer options in our office and at the hospital. We provide oral medications, inhalation agents, I.V. sedation, and general anesthesia for those with mild to severe anxiety, or those who cannot physically, medically, or cognitively tolerate dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a gas that helps decrease anxiety and allows you to feel more relaxed when inhaled.
It is administered through a small rubber inhaler placed over your nose.
The recovery time is very short and the effects pass within minutes, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home. Nitrous oxide is best used for patients with mild anxiety and a short, uncomplicated dental treatment plan.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation involves taking a pill about an hour before your treatment, which makes you feel relaxed and drowsy.
You’ll still remain awake during your treatment so you can interact with and respond to the dentist.
The sedative effects can last for up to four hours. The most commonly used medications are Halcion or Valium.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous Sedation induces a lower level of consciousness, which means that you’ll sleep through your procedure.
IV sedation is fast acting, taking effect within one minute, and can be controlled to increase or decrease the level of sedation safely and precisely. For people who have deep phobias of dental work, IV sedation allows them to sleep through the treatment with no discomfort, trauma, or memory of the procedure.
It’s predictable, comfortable, and ensures that your dental treatment can be easily completed. The recovery is simple and quick.
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia produces a state of unconsciousness where patients are completely asleep during their treatment.
General anesthesia is fast acting, taking effect within one minute, and can be controlled to increase or decrease the level of sedation safely and precisely.
For people with special needs — physical or mental disabilities, recovery from an addiction, or complex medical conditions — general anesthesia may be the safest option.
45 Years Experience
Over 45 years as a national leader in hospital dentistry
Daily Collaboration
Daily collaboration with physician anesthesiologists and medical doctors
Hospital Privileges
Full privileges at major hospitals, including Sutter Health, Kaiser Permanente, and Northwell Health
Caring for Needs
A proven record of caring for patients with the most complex medical, physical, and cognitive needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to your most frequently asked questions about local sedation and sleep dentistry in New York and San Francisco, from safety to recovery and treatment options.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry is dental treatment combined with any anesthesia modality. It involves a range of sedation, from fully awake and alert to asleep and unaware. We will work with you to determine the best approach for you and your situation.
What types of anesthesia do you offer?
We are one of the very few dental groups in the nation offering the complete array of sedation options, including:
- Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral conscious sedation (pills)
- I.V. sedation (intravenous)
- General anesthesia
General anesthesia can be delivered in our office by our anesthesiologists or at any of the hospitals where we are on staff.
Is general anesthesia safe?
General anesthesia is not only safe but also highly reliable. Among all sedation methods, it allows medication to be accurately dosed and ensures that a patient’s response can be closely monitored throughout the procedure.
How long is the recovery from IV sedation or general anesthesia?
Because dental procedures can be minimally invasive, keeping the level of anesthesia light but effective is critical in planning the case with the anesthesiologist. Oftentimes, recovery takes place in a matter of minutes. We always recommend that patients go home and rest for the remainder of the day following their procedure. Most people will resume normal activities the following day.
If I haven’t been to the dentist for many years, how many appointments will I need?
It’s possible to have your mouth fully restored in one or two visits while you are asleep – and with no pain. Contact us to find out if this method is right for you.
What dental specialists are part of your team approach?
Our team consists of general dentists, endodontists (who specialize in performing root canals), periodontists (gum and tissues), oral surgeons (bone and supporting tooth structures), and pediatric dentists (serving children). We coordinate the procedure with these specialists for you, who all work in concert while you sleep.
Does one need to overcome fear, anxiety, or a phobia to receive dental treatment?
Many people are fearful of the dentist. In fact, according to a 2025 ADA study, more than 70% of U.S. adults experience some level of dental fear (source). If you are afraid at any level, you can receive dental treatment in a way that feels comfortable to you. Our practice has a 45+ years reputation in the field. We use many techniques, including sedation dentistry, to help those who are fearful receive the dental care they need.
What is the difference between conscious sedation and other forms of sedation?
The vast majority of dental offices that offer “sedation” options are limited to conscious sedation. Conscious sedation dentistry typically involves inhaled nitrous oxide (“laughing”) gas or pills taken by mouth, which provide relaxation and drowsiness but not full sleep. Other forms of sedation involve the use of IV modalities and/or general anesthesia, which allow patients to sleep through the procedure. You have the opportunity to receive your treatment with no pain, no smells, no sounds, no sensations, and no memory of the procedure.
Which sedation option is right for me?
Who administers the IV sedation or general anesthesia?
At the Blende Dental Group, an experienced anesthesiologist – not the dentist – administers I.V. sedation and general anesthesia. This safeguard sets us apart from other practices and allows our dental specialists to focus solely on dentistry. Since we treat medically at-risk patients, it is our responsibility to provide the greatest level of safety for everyone involved.
Will I need to have a ride home?
If you have nitrous oxide, you may drive yourself home. However, if you have treatment using oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, you will need to have a designated person drive you home.
I don’t want to come to your office alone. May I bring someone with me?
Of course. We encourage you to bring a reassuring companion, partner, spouse, or parent to your consultation and treatment appointment.
While researching dentists using general anesthesia, I’ve found that the few other places that offer it are usually dental schools. How does treatment at the Blende Dental Group differ from treatment at dental schools?
Dental schools are academic institutions. They rely on students with limited clinical experience to provide most of the care under an instructor’s supervision and are often limited to palliative care options due to constraints imposed by Federal and State coverage. Many schools also have waiting lists that can be several months long. At the Blended Dental Group, we remove these barriers and accommodate patients who require same-day service.