Sedation and Your Child’s Dental Visit: What You Should Know
July 6, 2018
Do you have a child that needs dental care but is nervous about visiting the dentist? It isn’t uncommon for kids to feel anxious about dental care because they don’t know what to expect or they may have had a previous unpleasant dental experience. At Woodbury Dental Arts, we think it’s important for your child to feel confident, comfortable and relaxed during treatment. That’s why we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (otherwise known as laughing gas) is one of the most popular forms of sedation we administer to young children. It’s a colorless gas that is perfectly safe and is administered through a mask that covers the nose. The gas induces feelings of euphoria and/or calmness and minimizes discomfort. It’s a great choice for children’s dental anxiety because it allows your child to hear and follow instructions during treatment. The effects of the gas wear off within minutes of removing the mask.
Oral Sedation
Nitrous oxide is not the only form of sedation we offer. We can also give your child oral sedation to help him or her calm down prior to the scheduled procedure. Oral sedation is typically administered in the form of a pill that’s taken orally about an hour before the appointment. It can cause your child to feel at ease or even drowsy during and after the procedure.
IV Sedation
Generally reserved for severe children’s dental anxiety or complicated procedures, IV sedation induces a “twilight” sleep. This means the patient can still respond to instructions but will remain calm during treatment and will not remember the procedure once it’s over.
Schedule Your Appointment
Sedation dentistry can help your child feel safe going to the dentist and can affect how he or she feels about going to the dentist in the future. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Marko Kamel or learn more about your child’s sedation options, please contact Woodbury Dental Arts today.