How Sedation Keeps Children Comfortable
We know that sometimes kids feel anxious about the dentist, and may have trouble with even minor treatments, such as cleanings. To help kids, even anxious ones, enjoy a positive experience, we can offer dental sedation. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX, pediatric dentist talks about sedation dentistry.
Our Expertise in Sedation
Our team has years of experience in using sedation to offer kids of all ages a comfortable and enjoyable visit to the office. Our team members include trained anesthesiologists who are board-certified specialists and members of the Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates. They will be on hand with any procedure that requires a calming medication, and will monitor your child the entire time. We also take time to talk to your children and answer their questions and address their concerns, so they feel listened to and enjoy a positive experience.
When Kids Need a Calming Treatment
When do we recommend a calming medication for kids? This is helpful for children undergoing more extensive treatments, such as a tooth extraction or a pulpotomy. A calming treatment can also help kids with serious dental anxiety, the kind of phobia that makes even undergoing a cleaning a difficult process. Likewise, this is beneficial for children with an overactive gag reflex or special needs that could otherwise complicate the treatment experience. We believe every child deserves to enjoy their time at the dentist, so they look forward to future visits and gain a better understanding of their smile.
Three Different Calming Solutions
Our team offers three different calming solutions for our young patients. The most common option is a mild form known as nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This is administered through a mask over the ones. The patient breathes in the gas and enters a deep state of calm and euphoria, with little memory of the process. The patient stays conscious however, and can respond to the dentist as needed. We can adjust sedation levels during treatment, and the effects wear off right away when the procedure ends, so kids can return to school.
For a deeper form of relaxation, we could offer oral sedation in the form of a pill or liquid before the procedure. Children may need to avoid food and drink for a few hours before the treatment, and they will enter a deeper state of calm with no memory of the procedure, but again will be conscious. The effects take time to wear off, so they may not be able to return to school afterward.
The deepest form is IV, and is administered intravenously for a deep sleeplike state!
Talk to Our Team About Our Calming Solutions
Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda is ready to ensure your children enjoy a positive and comfortable treatment option. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our Dallas, TX, team today at 214-321-4880 today.
filed under: Preventive Treatments