Comfort care

Sedation Dentistry in Saratoga Springs, NY

If fear has kept you away from the dentist, you are not alone, and you are not judged here. Sedation dentistry uses medicine to help you relax so you can get the care you need.

4.9 on Google from 161 patient reviews · Practicing dentistry since 1997

Dr. Richard L. Dennis in the Saratoga Smiles patient lounge
What it is

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medicine to help you relax during dental care. It is not the same as being put to sleep for surgery. We offer two kinds.

Oral sedation is a pill you take before your visit. You stay awake, but you feel calm and sleepy.

IV sedation sends calming medicine through a small tube in your arm. You feel very relaxed, and many people remember little of the visit.

With either kind, our team monitors you during treatment. You will need someone to drive you home.

Avoiding the dentist often lets small problems grow into painful, more involved ones. Sedation can help you take care of things before that happens. Many of our patients came to us after years away. Starting with a conversation is enough.

How insurance and payment work here

Patient seated comfortably in a treatment chair at Saratoga Smiles
Benefits

Who is sedation for?

Dental anxiety

Past experiences or nerves make it hard to sit through treatment.

Longer treatment

Several procedures can be done in one sedation visit.

Fewer appointments

Combining care can reduce trips to the office.

Strong gag reflex

Sedation can make treatment easier to tolerate.

Implant and extraction visits

Often used with implants and extractions.

Patients who need extra patience

We take the time to listen and adjust to you.

What to expect

The Saratoga Smiles sedation process

  1. Consultation

    We talk about your concerns and your health history, and decide together whether sedation is a good fit and which kind. New patients start with a first visit.

  2. Planning

    We plan your treatment and give you a written estimate and simple instructions, including fasting guidelines.

  3. Sedation visit

    You take your oral sedation as directed, or an IV is placed. Our team monitors you throughout treatment.

  4. Recovery

    You rest at the office until you are ready to go home. You will need someone to drive you.

  5. The next day

    Most patients return to normal activities the next day.

Fee-for-service: you get a written estimate before treatment. We are not in-network with any plan, and we help you with your out-of-network claim. Financing through Proceed Finance, Cherry, and CareCredit. Insurance and payment details

Questions

Have questions about sedation?

What is the difference between oral and IV sedation?

Oral sedation is a pill. You stay awake but feel calm and sleepy. IV sedation works through a small tube in your arm and relaxes you more deeply. Dr. Dennis helps you choose what fits your health and your treatment.

Will I be asleep?

No. Sedation is not general anesthesia. You stay relaxed, and with IV sedation many patients remember little of the visit. You are monitored the whole time.

Is sedation safe?

It is used widely in dentistry with careful screening and monitoring. We review your health history and medications before recommending it.

Do I need someone to drive me?

Yes. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

When is payment due, and can I use my insurance?

Payment is due at the time of service, and you receive a written estimate before treatment begins. Saratoga Smiles is fee-for-service and not in-network with any plan. You receive an itemized, coded statement for your out-of-network claim, our team walks you through the claim process, and your plan reimburses you directly. See insurance and payment details.

See all questions

From our patients

Why people choose Saratoga Smiles

“They were very patient and understanding of my autistic adult. Didn't push an agenda, they listened and offered several treatment plans. If you need sedation dentistry, look no further, this is the place.”

★★★★★ K. B., Google review

“I have very high anxiety for any dental work from an experience I had years ago. Everyone in the office put me at ease with their care and respect.”

★★★★★ Cindy G., Google review

Reviews quoted from Google with first name and last initial. 4.9 stars from 161 reviews.

Start with a conversation

Book a sedation consultation online, or call the New Patient Line and talk with our team.

Reviewed by Dr. Richard L. Dennis, DMD, MAGD, Saratoga Smiles, Saratoga Springs, NY.

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