Addressing Anxiety With Dental Sedation
If your child is undergoing a more extensive treatment option, or if he or she has a major case of dental anxiety, then we may recommend a calming solution to help them feel relaxed and comfortable. Known as dental sedation, this can help kids enjoy a comfortable visit. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about dental sedation.
Our Expertise
We have a team of dental professionals who know how to work with children, providing quality care and helping them maintain optimal oral health. When it comes to sedation and anesthesia, we also have team members who are members of the Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates. They’re board-certified specialists in the field of sedation, and will be present when your children undergo treatment, to monitor them and keep them safe. We have three different options, and the one we choose for your child will depend on a number of factors, such as anxiety levels, age, weight, medical history, and the type of procedure we’re performing.
Common Options
The most common option we provide is nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas. This is safe and easily administered through a mask over the nose. The child enters a calm state and remains conscious and able to respond to the dentist. The effects wear off once the procedure ends, so they can often return to school.
Oral sedation is taken in a pill or liquid form prior to the procedure and offers a deeper state of calm. Your child is still conscious, but may have little memory of the procedure. The effects take time to wear off completely so there could be some grogginess afterward. Your children will likely need to go home and take the day to rest.
IV sedation is the deepest form of calming we have available, administered through an IV. Your child is carefully monitored throughout the procedure, and as with oral, the effects will take time to wear off completely.
When to Schedule a Visit
Now that January is here and we’re in a new year, now is a great time to start caring for your child’s smile. To get started, simply schedule a checkup and cleaning visit, so we can conduct an exam to assess the state of the smile, and plan treatment for concerns we find. In the same visit, we can also clean the teeth too to reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out today!
Visit Your Dallas, TX, Pediatric Dentist Soon
If you want to find out more about our calming options, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, we invite you to contact your Dallas, TX pediatric dentist, Dr. Marr, by calling (214) 321-4880.
filed under: Preventive Treatments