Sedation Dentist – Lancaster, PA
Calming Nerves, Improving Dental Patient Experiences
It is not uncommon for dental patients to experience some level of anxiety. If you are one of these people who fears visiting the dental office, our dental team at Dentistry for Life wants to change that. Using advanced techniques and technologies, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation dentistry to eliminate fears and calm nerves. With a team of qualified professionals by your side, including a skilled sedation dentist in Lancaster, PA, throughout your visit, you can rest easy knowing that your next appointment will be less stressful and more enjoyable. Call us to find out if you’re eligible for sedation dentistry.
Why Choose Dentistry for Life for Sedation Dentistry?
- Compassionate Dental Team Who Will Remain by Your Side
- Comfortable Amenities in a State-of-the-Art Facility
- Dentists with Decades of Experience
Nitrous Oxide dEntal Sedation
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation and is ideal for patients who suffer from mild to moderate dental anxiety. It is also helpful for anyone who has a sensitive gag reflex, has difficulty sitting still, and even those who’ve had past dental trauma. The process is quick and easy, requiring you to inhale through a nasal mask. Within minutes, the sedative begins to calm your nerves and help you enter into a more relaxed state. Remaining just enough aware of your surroundings, you won’t be worried about what is happening, but instead, only be able to respond to the cues of our dental team. Once the appointment is complete, we’ll remove the mask, and the effects will immediately begin to dissipate.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
If a patient has more severe dental anxiety that can’t quite be calmed using nitrous oxide, then we may recommend oral conscious sedation. This involves the patient taking oral medication either at home or in the dental office that will soothe any anxiety they might have. The patient will remain awake while in the chair despite being in a very deep state of relaxation, and time will seem to go by very fast. Some have little to no memory of their appointment afterward. Because of the lingering effects of OCS, we require that someone drive the patient home after their visit.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Can dental sedation make you sick?
Since nitrous oxide is mild, it’s rare for the effects to make patients feel nauseous. Even oral conscious sedation, which is more powerful, doesn’t typically result in feeling sick. With that said, you shouldn’t hesitate to let us know if you are prone to feeling nauseous. If that’s the case, then we will likely schedule your appointment first thing in the morning so you can fast beforehand.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation don’t put you to sleep. However, you may feel so relaxed that you doze off in the treatment chair. If that happens, we can allow you to rest while we provide the preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry that you need. Or, if you’d prefer, we can gently wake you.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Usually, sedation dentistry is classified as a “luxury” and, therefore, is not covered by dental insurance providers. With that said, there are a few exceptions. For instance, if you need extensive care, like multiple tooth extractions, a portion of the cost may be covered. So, don’t hesitate to read through the fine print on your plan to familiarize yourself with your benefits.
If your plan doesn’t cover dental sedation, or you don’t have dental insurance at the moment, then ask us about the other financial solutions that are available at our office, like CareCredit. This third-party financier offers convenient payment plans so you can break up the total cost into smaller chunks over the course of several months.
How long does dental sedation last?
That depends on the type of dental sedation. The effects of nitrous oxide dissipate within a matter of minutes, which allows patients to drive themselves home from their appointments. Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, usually lasts for the rest of the day. As a result, patients are instructed to take certain precautions, like not driving or operating heavy machinery.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
In TV shows and movies, dental sedation is often depicted as a truth serum. However, that’s not really how it works; you won’t reveal any secrets while under the effects. Plus, even if you do happen to share something that you usually wouldn’t, you don’t have to worry – it won’t leave the walls of the treatment room.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
Patients usually describe feeling relaxed, light, and euphoric with nitrous oxide. Oral conscious sedation provides an even deeper sense of relaxation, resulting in a “heavy” feeling and time going by quickly. In both cases, you’ll feel free of anxiety, worry, and stress, allowing you to have the calm and comfortable experience that you deserve.