When children need to undergo more extensive care, such as receiving a filling or a crown, then we want to ensure the process is a comfortable one. After all, we want kids to always look forward to seeing us! In today’s blog, your team at Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda talks about sedation for kids in Dallas, TX.
When Children Need Dental Sedation
We may prescribe dental sedation for your child when they undergo a more extensive treatment, such as a restoration placement or possibly tooth extraction. But if your little one has serious anxiety or other complications that make undergoing dental care difficult, then we could offer this to help calm them and ensure they enjoy a positive time in our office!
We will look at their age, weight, medical history, medications being taken, and anxiety levels to help us choose the best possible treatment option. We have three different sedation options to choose from.
Nitrous Oxide
The most common (and mild) option is nitrous oxide. With this selection, we administer a special gas through a mask over the nose. The patient inhales the gas and enters a deep state of calm and euphoria. They stay conscious and able to respond to the dentist, but will have little memory of the process. We can adjust levels of calming during treatment, and once the procedure ends, so do the effects. Your children could even return to school in some cases!
Oral Conscious
If we find your children need a deeper state of calm, we could offer this in a pill or liquid form prior to the procedure. With oral conscious, they are more sedated but still able to respond to the dentist as needed, but will likely have no memory of the procedure. We may suggest avoiding food and drink for a few hours before the procedure begins, and will likely schedule the treatment for the morning. The effects take time to wear off, so your kids likely will not return to school.
IV Sedation
The deepest form of calming is offered through an intravenous means, and creates a sleep-like state for the kids, with no memory of the process at all. Again, the effects will take time to wear off. If you have any questions about our approach to dental sedation, or if you would like to schedule their last checkup of 2026 and use your remaining dental benefits for the year, then contact our team!
PDC Kids Provides a Comfortable Experience for Your Kids
Our team is ready to safeguard your child’s smile and ensure a comfortable treatment experience. To find out more about children’s dental care, then call Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, today at (214) 321-4880.
