Does the thought of visiting the dentist fill you with anxiety? Do you often wait months or even years to make dental appointments? We can help. At Gettysburg Smiles, Dr. Rita Tempel and her team offer sedation dentistry in Gettysburg, PA.
Patients who fear the dentist will sometimes avoid routine checkups for many years. Some patients may only visit the dentist if they have significant dental pain. Dr. Tempel’s office is a friendly, judgment-free space where all patients are welcome. Patients don’t need to feel ashamed to ask for help with their dental care.
Haven’t Visited the Dentist in Years? We Can Help
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 20 percent of Americans age 65 and older have untreated tooth decay. This percentage is 27 percent for adults aged 20 to 64. Poor oral health affects the look and function of the smile and can impact patients’ overall health. Common dental problems like gum disease and tooth infections can spread if patients do not visit the dentist regularly.
Our friendly staff is used to working with anxious and nervous dental patients. Dr. Tempel and her team want you to get the care you need while feeling relaxed and comfortable in our office. We can do many things to help you feel calmer in the dental chair.
First, we can choose a hand signal when you want to pause treatment. We also encourage you to bring earphones so you can listen to music or a podcast as you get routine dental care. If you need more accomodation or a more complex dental procedure, we recommend dental sedation.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
- Comfortable dental care
- Efficient and effective treatment
- Quick recovery time
- No or little memory of procedure
- Stops the gag reflex
Contact our office if you need dental care but have dental fear and anxiety. We are here to accommodate your needs and help you get the best care possible.
Sedation Dentistry in Gettysburg, PA
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a common type of sedation that we offer at Gettysburg Smiles. What is right for you depends on your level of anxiety. We will often use dental sedation and a local anesthetic so patients will not feel pain during treatment.
Combining oxygen with nitrous oxide gas provides medical anesthesia and helps manage patients’ anxiety. We deliver nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask that covers the nose. Under laughing gas, patients will feel calm and relaxed. Patients will also remain conscious so they can give feedback to our team.
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Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Relaxation dentistry keeps you relaxed and comfortable. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions about sedation in Gettysburg, PA.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by a trained and experienced dentist. Your dentist will assess your medical history and any pre-existing conditions to ensure that the right type and dose of sedation is chosen. They will also monitor you closely during the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Will I be awake during sedation dentistry?
It depends on the type of sedation. You’ll be awake but very relaxed with nitrous oxide or oral sedatives, often feeling drowsy or calm. With IV sedation, you may be semi-conscious, and you may not remember much of the procedure afterward. You’ll be completely unconscious under general anesthesia
Are there any risks with sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry is generally safe, there are some risks. The most common side effects, such as grogginess, dizziness, or nausea, are mild and temporary. Rarely, people may have an allergic reaction to the sedative. Our dentist will evaluate your health and medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for sedation and will closely monitor you during the procedure.
How do I prepare for sedation dentistry?
How we prepare for treatment will vary based on the type of sedation used. You don’t need special preparation for nitrous oxide, though you should avoid eating a heavy meal right before the appointment. If you’re taking oral sedatives, you may be instructed to fast for several hours before your appointment.
For IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will likely need to avoid eating or drinking for a longer period before the procedure. Our office will give you specific instructions based on the sedation method.
How will I feel after sedation dentistry?
After sedation, you may feel dizzy, disoriented, or a bit drowsy. With nitrous oxide, the effects wear off quickly, and you should feel normal within minutes. After oral sedatives or IV sedation, you may need several hours to fully recover. General anesthesia may take longer, and you’ll likely feel tired or dizzy. It’s important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
When can I eat or drink after nitrous oxide?
We suggest waiting a few hours before eating or drinking after sedation, just to be safe. Some patients may feel nauseous after treatment. Other patients may have also gotten an anesthetic, so their mouths can still be numb. We want to decrease your risk of accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or your lip when you eat.
Can I request sedation dentistry for any dental procedure?
Yes, you can request sedation for almost any dental procedure, especially if you have anxiety, fear, or difficulty tolerating dental work. Our dentist will evaluate your needs and discuss the best sedation option for your comfort.
Most patients don’t need sedation for routine checkups or minor procedures. However, it can make treatments like extractions, root canals, or implants much more comfortable.
Can children get sedation?
Yes, children can get sedation at the dentist. Sedation can help kids who feel nervous, scared, or have trouble sitting still during dental visits. The most common type used for children is nitrous oxide. We’ll talk with you to decide if sedation is the right choice for your child. Our team will also find the best treatment for your child’s age and health.
Call Gettysburg Smiles for Comfortable Dental Care
Do you or a loved one have dental anxiety? Are you looking for a dental office that can accommodate your needs? Call (717) 853-1552 or request a dental appointment online. Please let us know if you have questions for our team or any current dental concerns.