Your Sedation Dentist: How We Help Your Child Stay Relaxed and Cool
Nearly 75% of the entire US adult population has some kind of fear or anxiety associated with going to the dentist, so you can only imagine what children experience! At Tic Tac Tooth, we do everything we can to provide a comfortable and kid-friendly environment, but some children still need a little bit of extra help to feel safe and relaxed. For them, we can offer sedation dentistry, which is a collection of techniques that help us calm a child’s nervous mind while protecting them from pain. Be sure to let us know if your child is anxious about their next dental appointment, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure they have a pleasant experience.
Nitrous Oxide – “Laughing Gas”
This sedation method is perfect for children who are only slightly nervous about visiting the dentist, those who are very young, and those who have special care needs. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has deemed this sedation method as safe and gentle for kids. Nitrous Oxide is not a general sedation and does not put your child to sleep. He or she will be awake, able to talk and move on their own throughout their visit. Often referred to as “laughing gas,” this quick and effective relaxation method puts your child right at ease. Your child will simply breathe in the “happy air” through a small nasal mask, and within moments, they will feel a comforting sensation. After their treatment has been completed, the nasal mask will be removed and they’ll be right back to their typical level of activity.
Considerations Prior to Sedation
It’s important to remember that children all have unique needs when it comes to ensuring their comfort and safety in a dental office. For some kids, there’s never a problem with treatment using just local anesthesia and our team’s kind, gentle touch. Other kids need some level of sedation even for what seems to their parents to be minor treatment. We’re here to help you better understand your child’s needs and ensure they are comfortable throughout their time in our office. Some things to remember when planning for dental sedation include:
- Does your child take any medications?
- Does your child have medical or latex allergies?
- Does your child have any medical conditions?
- Has your child ever experienced adverse effects during dental or medical care, especially while sedated?
Do you think your child could benefit from sedation dentistry? Could it help them finally not be afraid of the dentist? Your child’s comfort is always one of our top priorities, and these techniques are just another way we can take care of them. To learn more about how sedation dentistry works or to schedule an appointment, simply contact our office today.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, you can expect that when your child is being recommended for nitrous oxide that is completely safe for them to receive. Our team of pediatric dentists is here to go over your child’s medical history beforehand so that we have a clear understanding of their needs and how to best provide a positive experience. As long as the sedation is administered by a skilled and reliable dentist, which is what you can expect from our talented team, your child will remain in good hands throughout their visit.
What should my child bring to their appointment?
Oftentimes, children may feel apprehensive about the dentist’s office, so allowing them to bring something from home can help calm their nerves. This can include a stuffed animal, their favorite blanket, or even a small trinket that provides comfort. Additionally, you may find that talking positively about visiting the dentist and going over what they can expect will take away many of the unknowns that have them feeling anxious. By taking this type of approach, we can reduce the amount of stress they might feel on the day of their visit.
Are there any side effects associated with sedation dentistry?
One of the unique benefits of nitrous oxide is that there are virtually no side effects associated with treatment. Your child will be able to resume normal activity following their appointment (unless there are strict rules they need to follow as it relates to their dental procedure). The side effects of nitrous oxide are few if any, as most patients experience no lasting grogginess. Although some might feel a bit nauseous, this should only be temporary.
In most cases, your child will be able to return to school or home after their appointment.
Will my child feel any pain with dental sedation?
No, your child should be unable to feel any pain while under nitrous oxide. Although it does not fully sedate your little one, they may feel sleepy and close their eyes; however, we will be able to easily awaken them. Throughout the visit, they will remain completely comfortable and free of any discomfort, allowing for a more positive and stress-free dental experience.