We understand that going to the dentist may be stressful for some of our patients. If your child is nervous about their dental visit, let us know! We want your child to be as comfortable as possible during dental treatments, and are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Children who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- Apprehension about certain dental procedures
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
- Less fear or anxiety during treatment
- More comfort during dental procedures
- A more relaxing dental experience
Oral Sedation
Anxiolysis is a light form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety or those with longer procedures or more complex situations. Usually administered orally, with mild sedation, your child will remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and is able to breathe on thier own, but will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete.
Inhaled Sedation
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child's nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raise the pain threshold, and even make time seem like it's passing quicker than usual. At the end of your child's appointment, they will resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so they can resume their normal activities immediately.
Understanding the range of choices that are available to relieve anxiety and discomfort can be very useful. Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method is right for your child.
