What Is Sedation Dentistry?

 

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medications and controlled monitoring during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia, or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. Our office offers nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation and hospital dentistry. Sedation dentistry can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep, but this is only used in a hospital setting. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, and extractions often require sedation.

 

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and it has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their pediatric dentist during their visit. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Our team will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.

 

Conscious sedation is an option for children who are older (three years and above). This method may be indicated for children who have a high level of anxiety, those who are young and do not understand how to cope in a cooperative way, or those requiring extensive dental treatment. Conscious sedation is a highly effective method that can be administered in oral form.

 

When IV sedation is used, Dr. June has an anesthesiologist

assist her in the procedure. The anesthesiologist who comes to the office to helps care for children during certain procedures.

 

Please don't hesitate to ask Dr. June if you have any questions or concerns about Sedation Dentistry.

 

When Sedation May Make Sense

 

Sedation dentistry may be recommended in the following situations:

 

A very anxious child

A child needing complex treatment

A child with prior traumatic dental experiences

A child with a strong gag reflex

A child with special needs

 

Special Needs Children & Dental Visits

 

Dr. June is an expert in helping kids feel safe and happy at the dentist’s office, but for some children, the dentist’s chair is still just a little bit too scary. For kids that struggle with dentist-related anxiety or fear due to a disability, autism, or specific need, sedation dentistry can be a comfortable and effective option. By using clinically-tested sedatives, we can help your child relax and feel comfortable during dental treatment. Knightsville Pediatric Dentistry offers a wide range of options to fit your child’s needs. We have a solution for all children!

 

Call Your Local Pediatric Sedation Dentist Today!

 

If you believe your child would benefit from sedation dentistry, call our dental office today! Dr. June and her dental team will be more than happy to walk you through the details of sedation dentistry and answer any questions you may have. It is our goal to ensure that all children are confident and comfortable at the dentist, with a little sedation dentistry help, this can be possible!