Sedation & Hospital Dentistry in Lancaster, PA

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we understand the fear and anxiety many children experience when visiting the dentist. Our extensively trained, board-certified pediatric dentists are pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to help ease any worries your child may have and establish a positive association with dental visits. Whether your child has an experienced-based dental fear or general anxiety about the unknown, we take a compassionate, gentle approach toward helping them feel comfortable and at ease when visiting our child-centered dental practice. If your child has expressed fear of the dentist or you would like to learn more about our sedation dentistry options, please reach out to our friendly Lancaster, PA team today. One of our expert pediatric specialists will help you determine if sedation is ideal for your child.

As pediatric specialists, our dentists have advanced training in a variety of effective sedation solutions. These include:

Nitrous oxide sedation: As the most commonly used method of relieving mild to moderate dental anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) is administered via a small nasal mask that fits comfortably over the nose. Nitrous oxide gas works quickly to induce a feeling of calm, relaxation, and even giddiness. The effects of this option dissipate within minutes once the gas is turned off. The patient then returns to normal and can go about normal daily activities.

Hospital dentistry: To better serve the needs of our patients, each of our pediatric specialists is hospital-trained and offers advanced care under general anesthesia (full sedation) in a hospital setting. This approach may be recommended for children who have severe dental fear, compromising physical or medical conditions, extensive treatment requirements, or special needs. Our dentists maintain privileges at Lancaster General Hospital and Hershey Medical Center. Our patients will work with a hospital and sedation coordinator throughout their entire process.

Sedation and hospital dentistry can benefit many people, such as those with severe dental fears or anxieties, difficulty sitting still for periods of time, or undergoing complex or lengthy dental procedures. Some of the advantages of sedation and hospital dentistry include the following:

• Gag reflex control
• Improved comfort
• Reduced fear and anxiety
• Allows for a positive dental experience
• Multiple dental treatments can be completed in a single visit
• Improved oral health
• Suitable for a wide variety of patients

Sedation dentistry can be a helpful solution for children and teens who experience fear, anxiety, or discomfort when visiting the dentist. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our team offers sedation options tailored to your child’s specific needs and concerns. Whether your child is mildly uneasy or has had past negative experiences, we’re here to help create a more comfortable and positive visit.

Your child may be an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry if they:

• Feel nervous or anxious in a dental setting
• Have dental-related fears or phobias
• Have experienced traumatic dental visits in the past
• Require extensive or complex dental treatment
• Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
• Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we offer different levels of sedation to help your child feel comfortable during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a nose mask to ease anxiety, while oral-conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before the visit for a deeper sense of calm. For more complex cases, hospital dentistry under general anesthesia may be recommended. In these instances, our dentists work closely with the surgical teams at Lancaster General Hospital or Hershey Medical Center to ensure your child receives safe, effective care.

During your child's consultation visit, one of our pediatric specialists will talk with you about the sedation process and what to expect following the procedure. Depending on the type of sedation received, your son or daughter may need to avoid physical activity for the few days following sedation. It is important that your child receives proper rest and hydration after the procedure. It is common for children to feel fatigued the rest of the day following the procedure; however, this should dissipate within 24 hours of sedation administration.

Insurance coverage for sedation dentistry services may vary according to individual policies and treatment needs. A member of our business team will review your coverage benefits before your child's treatment and let you know if there may be any out-of-pocket expenses. To help make your family's dental care as affordable as possible, Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates accepts an assortment of payment methods and can assist you in applying for low-cost CareCredit® financing plans.

Does my child need sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry is helpful, not all patients will need it. Sedation and hospital dentistry is primarily utilized during extensive, complex dental procedures. It can also be utilized to manage a strong gag reflex and to help patients feel at ease if they experience mild to severe dental fears and anxieties. To find out if your child may benefit from pediatric sedation dentistry, contact our office in Lancaster, PA to schedule a consultation.

Which type of sedation is right for my child?
Several factors can influence which sedation option may best suit your child, including age, treatment time, medical history, personality, specific treatment, and fear and anxiety levels. Our team will discuss all available options with you and your child to determine which method works best for them.

How long does oral conscious sedation last?
The effects of oral conscious sedation can last for approximately 12 hours after your dental treatment. It is normal for patients to be drowsy after their procedure, so we recommend ensuring your child is with a trusted adult.

Can you eat before being sedated for dental work?
Typically, patients are advised not to eat for at least six hours before being sedated for dental work, especially if general anesthesia or moderate to deep sedation is involved. This precaution helps prevent complications, such as nausea or aspiration, during the procedure. We will go over in detail what to and to not do before your child's sedation dentistry appointment.

Is pediatric IV sedation safe?
Pediatric IV sedation is generally considered safe when administered by a trained and experienced professional. Our team will closely monitor your child throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort. As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but serious complications are rare when proper precautions are followed.

How can I prepare my child for sedation or hospital dentistry?
To prepare your child for sedation or hospital dentistry, it's helpful to explain the procedure in a simple, reassuring way to ease their anxiety. Follow all instructions provided by our Lancaster, PA team and/or hospital, such as fasting before the procedure if required. Bringing a favorite toy or blanket for comfort can also help your child feel more relaxed on the day of the appointment.

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we believe every child has the right to enjoy dentistry in a positive, stress-free way. Our team of board-certified specialists is pleased to offer several sedation dentistry options to help children get the dental care they need without fear and anxiety. If your child has mild to severe dental fear, please talk to our Lancaster, PA team today and learn about the differences our compassionate care and sedation options can make in their life.