Dental fear and anxiety may affect your oral health if left unaddressed. Dental phobia may stem from a bad dental experience, fear of needles, or fear of the unknown. When you deal with dental anxiety, you want to find a dentist who listens to your dental concerns and works with you to understand your needs. Sedation options are one of the general dentistry solutions we provide for our patients in Long Island, NY.

Sedation Dentistry in Roslyn, NY
Our dental care team at Bella Smiles works with patients with dental fear to help them feel comfortable during their visits. Dr. Lotardo, Pop, or Caesar will work with each patient one-on-one to understand where their dental fear stems from.
As a team, we will work with each patient to keep them well-informed, safe, and relaxed during their visit to our dental offices.
Sedation dentistry can be an ideal solution for patients with dental fear and anxiety. Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Pop to safely perform multiple treatments while patients remain comfortable and relaxed.
At Bella Smiles, our goal is to equip our patients with the tools they need to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We will perform a full examination to determine if sedation dentistry is right for you.
Whether you visit the dentist regularly, or you haven’t been to the dentist in years, we encourage patients to visit Bella Smiles Roslyn for the dental care they need. We will work with you to meet your dental needs.
What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry
During your appointment, Dr. Pop will review your medical history. She’ll perform a full comprehensive exam to determine which type of sedation dentistry option is right for you. We offer a full range of sedation dentistry options that help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and alert during your treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation: For oral sedation, we will prescribe a pill for you. Patients will need to take the pill prior to their treatment. Patients will need to coordinate a reliable ride to and from our Roslyn, NY dental office.
Nitrous Oxide: We administer nitrous oxide through a nasal mask. The effects are immediate as soon as we secure the mask. Once we remove the mask, the effects of nitrous oxide diminish.
We’ll review your options with you beforehand and recommend the best type of sedation for you based on your health and treatment. Our dentists will also monitor you closely so you feel comfortable and stay safe.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about dental sedation in Nesconset, Riverhead, and Roslyn.
Who is a good candidate for dental sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a good option for patients who feel nervous or anxious about dental visits. It can help people who have had a bad dental experience in the past or who are afraid of dental tools, needles, or procedures.
You can also benefit from sedation if you have:
- A strong gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- A hard time sitting still for long periods
Dr. Lotardo may also recommend it if you need multiple treatments done in one visit. Sedation dentistry can also be a good choice for patients who have avoided the dentist for years due to fear or discomfort. During your visit, we’ll review your medical history and talk with you to decide if sedation is the right and safe option for you.
Does oral sedation put you to sleep?
Oral sedation makes patients tired and numbs them so that they feel no pain during their procedure. While oral sedation will not make you fall asleep, many people do because of how relaxed they feel.
Can I return to normal activities after I get sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation you receive. If you are given nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. Most patients feel back to normal within minutes and can return to their usual activities, including driving themselves home.
If you receive oral sedation, you may feel drowsy or groggy for several hours after your appointment. For this reason, you will need someone to drive you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid driving, working, or making important decisions until the sedation has fully worn off.
Can a patient hear when sedated?
Some patients report hearing voices, but in most cases, they cannot recall what was said. Patients may be conscious enough to hear voices around them while sedated, but it is highly unlikely that they can comprehend or remember anything they hear.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
You shouldn’t feel any pain while under sedation. While you may feel some pressure or movement, most patients do not feel pain at all. Many people are so relaxed that they remember very little about their appointment once it’s over.
How should I prepare for a sedation dentistry appointment?
We’ll give you specific instructions before your appointment, and you want to follow them closely. In many cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before your visit if you’re getting oral sedation.
If you are having oral sedation, you will need to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment. You should also plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your visit.
Be sure to share your full medical history with our dentist, including any medications you take or health conditions you have. Wearing comfortable clothing and arriving a little early can also help you feel more relaxed and prepared for your appointment.
Call Today if You Need Sedation
At Bella Smiles, your comfort and safety are important to us, so we work with you to ensure your visit meets your needs. Get sedation dentistry at Bella Smiles in Riverhead, Roslyn, and Nesconset, NY.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 631-228-8780 (Nesconset Office) or 631-574-3898 (Riverhead Office) or 516-217-6668 (Roslyn Office). You can also schedule an appointment online.
