We understand that going to the dentist isn’t always easy for children. Many kids have a hard time sitting still or with the sensations of dentistry, which can make dental care difficult. Others may be anxious or scared about visiting the dentist. With our sedation options, your child can feel totally comfortable and relaxed during their treatment. It’s just one of the many ways we make each visit a positive experience.
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When Should I Choose to fully Sedate My Child for treatment?
Full sedation is a good option to consider for your child’s dental treatments when it can prevent them from developing a dental phobia and can help start their life long journey of dental health on a positive note when they're already a bit behind. This way, the dentist can do their work to give you the best possible lasting treatment outcomes and your child won’t feel scared or uncomfortable about coming back to the dentist in the future. Our goal is to teach your children how to be great dental patients for life. At times, this requires us to start back at baseline by completing all the treatment in one visit to prevent your child from fearing dental treatment from having multiple hard visits. It's all about making sure that they get the dental care they need in the most stress-free way possible.
Some indicators that your child may need to be fully sedated for treatment is if: they have failed filling appointments in the past, cannot cooperate for simple procedures such as taking x-rays, they reach up to grab at instruments the provider is using, severe dental anxiety, or have a large treatment plan that will need multiple visits that your child will likely be unable to sit for. Whether it be at the hospital or in-office, we partner with the best and safest anesthesia providers to ensure your child gets the best treatment done in the safest manner possible. If your child has any of these concerns or if you have any concerns or questions, have a talk with your dentist to see if sedation is the right fit for your child’s needs.
Did you know…
Sedation can be tailored to each child's specific needs and comfort.
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Laughing Gas
The most mild form of sedation, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment. Additionally, our office is equipped with a ceiling-mounted TV, providing a distraction to reduce anxiety and help most children relax during their dental procedures.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Rest assured, your dentist is certified by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This is a leading authority in promoting optimal oral health for children. Through research, education, and advocacy, it provides valuable guidelines and resources for pediatric dentists to deliver the highest-quality care for predictable treatment outcomes for your child's needs.
In-House General Anesthesia for Severe Anxiety
We can provide general anesthesia appointments at local children's hospitals and also right here in our office. General anesthesia is usually recommended for the more complex dental procedures in order to get what would take multiple visits finished in one treatment by placing your child fully under sleep. This not only helps prevent the child from developing a dental phobia from having to fight through multiple treatment visits if they are highly sensitive to treatment, but also helps save the parent's time from taking multiple days off of work. By having your child completely unconscious during the procedure, it ensures that they won't feel anything or have any negative memories of dental procedures like placing crowns or extractions. Additionally, the same providers who administer sedation at the hospital can offer sedation services right here in our office. This can reduce the cost of fully sedating your child for treatment since it avoids large hospital fees that increase the cost of care and allows your child to receive sedation for their dental procedure in a familiar environment, enhancing their comfort and ease.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
Special Needs Care
We prioritize special needs care, offering tailored sedation options to ensure every child feels at ease during their visit. Our compassionate approach aims to create a comfortable environment, allowing children with special needs to receive the dental care they deserve with ease and comfort.
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The Benefits of Sedation
Reducing Fear and Dental Anxiety
Visiting the dentist can be intimidating for children, especially for procedures like fillings. Minimal sedation, like the use of laughing gas, can help your child to feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Helping to create a more comfortable experience during their dental appointment.
Minimizing Pain and Discomfort
When used with lasers or local anesthetics, laughing gas is a highly effective treatment option to minimize any potential pain and discomfort during dental treatments. This not only makes the process smoother for your child but also gives you peace of mind knowing they are comfortable.
Addressing Gag Reflex and Needle Phobia
Certain types of sedation, such as laughing gas, can significantly reduce your child’s gag reflex. This is particularly beneficial for dental work on the back teeth or taking x-rays. For children with severe dental phobias that are so strong it prevents them from helping the dentist by cooperating, full sedation is available to remove these barriers to treatment.
The Full Sedation Treatment Planning Process
Initial Consultation & Approval
Before scheduling a full sedation visit for your child, we want to evaluate your child and meet with you to talk about your child's: treatment needs, previous treatment history, and other relevant health information. If your child is a good candidate for full sedation, we will take the next step and choose the most appropriate sedation option, whether it be at the hospital or in-office. We want to provide the best, safest option for their needs.
Preparation & Sedation
Your child's pediatric dentist and anesthesia providers will let you know the next steps in preparation for before your child’s appointment. On the day of the visit, whether it be at the hospital or at our office, we will go over the treatment plan with you and you will meet the anesthesia team that will keep them in the safe, calm, and comfortable during their treatment.
Sedation Aftercare
After your child's visit, we will meet and go over all the treatment that occurred and give you instructions for at home care. After treatment, we have a provider dedicated to monitoring your children until we are positive that they are stable, awake, and that you won't have any undue concerns when you take your child back home that same day.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sedation used in dentistry?
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Sedation, at all levels, in dentistry primarily serves to alleviate dental anxiety, which helps children remain calm and cooperative during their dental procedures. Many children experience fear or nervousness about dental visits, and sedation can significantly ease these feelings. It's also beneficial for managing discomfort during more involved procedures like tooth extractions, and it helps children who have difficulty staying still for extended periods during treatments.
Is sedation dentistry right for my child?
Sedation is generally appropriate for children who are in good health, do not have any severe medical conditions, or take medications that could negatively interact with the sedation. It's best to consult with us for a personalized assessment. During a consultation, we can discuss your child's specific needs and address any concerns to determine the best option. If your child is an appropriate candidate for full sedation, after the consult visit, you will need to see your physician to verify if your child is ready for sedation.
What does sedation dentistry feel like for my child?
Every sedation option feels different. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) typically makes children feel relaxed and slightly euphoric. They’ll be fully conscious and it will reduce the experience of discomfort during treatment.
General anesthesia provides the deepest sedation. Your child will be completely unconscious and unable to feel the procedure. This is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, have sensory issues, or cooperation concerns. With this sedation, you won't have to worry about your child feeling such things like pressure sensitivity, which local anesthetic cannot completely take away for procedures like extractions.
Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?
Sedation dentistry is safe for children of all ages, including toddlers, when administered correctly. At very young ages, we will see your child at the hospital to ensure that we are in the safest location possible due to their age. We also ensure their safety by conducting a thorough health history assessment and choosing the appropriate sedation method for each child. You’ll be fully informed about the chosen sedation route, its effects, and aftercare requirements. All sedation procedures are carried out by qualified professionals on our team. At every step of the process, we prioritize your child's safety and comfort.
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