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Sedation for Dental Anxiety

Proudly serving Glenville, Scotia, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Ballston Lake, Round Lake, Clifton Park, and Niskayuna

Call (518) 444-3717

Care that feels safe from the start

Many of our patients have stayed away from the dentist for years, often because of fear, embarrassment, or traumatic experiences in the past. At Lake Hill Dental Care, we don’t minimize that or brush past it. We recognize how much courage it takes just to walk through the door, which is why our care starts with conversation and comfort, not pressure. If sedation can help you feel safe receiving the care you need, we’ll walk through your options clearly and calmly. This isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about creating an experience where you can finally breathe easy in the chair.

Step back into care on your terms

Sedation that supports your experience

We use sedation to reduce anxiety and help your nervous system feel safe. You’re still in control, and we always pair it with gentle communication and trauma-aware care.

More time, more listening, less pressure

Our team takes extra time with patients who’ve avoided the dentist. We move at your pace, explain every step, and never rush into procedures. Sedation is part of that bigger picture of safety.

Help for patients with complex needs

Sedation isn’t just for fear. It can help if you have a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, difficulty getting numb, or need several procedures in one visit. We tailor the plan to your body and your life.

The sedation process

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1

A conversation about what you need

We start with a judgement-free conversation about your dental history, how you’re feeling now, and what has made past visits difficult. This step helps us understand what kind of sedation might be best for you or if it’s needed at all. We’ll talk through options clearly, with time to ask questions and think things over.

2

Building your comfort plan

We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, which help calm anxiety and make treatment more manageable. Together, we’ll build a plan based on your medical history, your goals, and how your nervous system responds to dental care. For some patients, even knowing sedation is available makes the appointment feel less overwhelming.

3

Supporting your visit from start to finish

During your appointment, we stay focused on comfort. Our team checks in throughout the visit to make sure you’re feeling okay. After your procedure, we’ll talk you through what to expect and give you detailed recovery guidance if sedation was used. You’ll never be left wondering what’s next.

What we see changes how we treat

Dr. Johnstone shares how a personal shift toward health and longevity changed the way she practices dentistry. In this conversation, she explains how microscopy, bacterial testing, and a more human approach help patients understand inflammation, make informed decisions, and feel like partners in their care.

‍Sick Mouth

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Healthy Mouth

Frequently asked questions

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Nitrous is gentle and wears off quickly, while oral sedation is stronger and often allows you to relax more deeply during your appointment. We’ll help you decide what’s appropriate based on your needs, comfort level, and medical history. Both are safe, effective tools that can make care much easier for people who have fear, trauma, or complex procedures ahead.

No. With the options we provide, you’ll still be awake and able to communicate, though many patients feel calm or drowsy. Oral sedation in particular may leave you with little memory of the appointment, which some patients prefer. If you’re looking for deeper IV sedation or general anesthesia, we can refer you to a trusted partner and still be involved in your care before and after.

For nitrous oxide, you don’t need an escort; it wears off by the time you leave the office. For oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. We’ll provide full pre- and post-op instructions so you know exactly how to prepare and recover. If logistics feel overwhelming, we’ll help you plan it all out step by step.

Have any further questions? Give us a call.
Call (518) 444-3717

750+ 5-Star Reviews

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Reviews

Real patients. Real results.

Don’t take our word for it. See what patients have to say.

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What an amazing team at Lake Hill Dental! I couldn’t be happier with the care I received. Everyone treated me with genuine care, concern, and respect - not just as a patient, but as a person. Highly recommended!

Kim Frustere

I have major dental anxiety and was really nervous about going in, but this office was incredibly kind and caring from start to finish. They weren’t judgmental at all and took the time to explain everything step by step, which really helped calm me down. They listened to my concerns and made sure I felt comfortable the whole time. With a long road of dental work ahead, I’m so glad I was referred here and I finally feel comfortable going to the dentist.

Chelsea Rees

I have been a patient at Lake Hill Dental for several years and am so pleased with the care provided by the Dentists and the staff. For starters, the office is modern and very welcoming which is greatly appreciated.

Over the years, I have been impressed with the thoughtful care given by Dr. Johnstone and Dr. Denning. Recently, I had two experiences with Dr. Denning where he demonstrated both patience and kindness despite a very busy schedule and patient load. He listened to my concerns and responded to them thoughtfully.

I highly recommend Lake Hill Dental!

Janet Evans

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