Our Approach To Children’s Sedation
When children see us for treatment, we want them to enjoy their time in the office, so they always look forward to checkups and cleanings. But if a child has anxiety or special needs, or if they’re undergoing a more extensive treatment, we could offer a calming agent. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about sedation dentistry.
When Kids Need a Calming Agent
We recommend this for more extensive treatments, such as tooth extraction or a pulpotomy. But they can also help children with special needs that make undergoing even routine procedures difficult, or for those with high levels of dental anxiety. These help kids enter a calmer and relaxed state.
Our Expertise
We have trained anesthesiologists on our team, who are also board-certified and members of the Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Association. We will have them present for any procedures that involve sedation, and they will monitor your child the entire time and adjust sedation levels as needed. The type we recommend for your child will depend on a number of different factors, such as age, medical history, weight, and anxiety levels.
Three Different Options
The most common form is nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas. The gas is administered through a mask over the nose, and the child enters a calm state quickly. Your child will still be conscious and able to respond to the dentist. The effects wear off as soon as the procedure ends, so some kids can return to school.
For a deeper state of calm, we can discuss oral sedation, which is administered via a pill or liquid prior to the procedure. This offers a deeper state of calm. While your child will still be conscious, they will likely remember little of the procedure. The effects take time to wear off, so your little one will likely be unable to return to school.
The deepest form available is known as IV sedation. This is administered through an IV, and your child is monitored closely throughout the entire process. Levels can be easily adjusted as needed. Again, the effects will take time to wear off so your little one won’t be going back to school. With this option, there is often little to no memory of the procedure.
If you have any questions about our approach to dental sedation, then contact our team today to learn more.
Your Dallas, TX, Dentist Offers Calming Solutions
Our team will help your children remain calm and enjoy their time in the office. If you have any questions about how we ensure your child’s visit is a comfortable one, then contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Family Dentistry