SEDATION DENTIST FOR KIDS SATELLITE BEACH
We Can Keep Kids Nice & Palm
Dental phobia, nervousness, overstimulation, and anxiety are all reasons why children may not feel comfortable coming to the dentist’s office. Our team will always try to make your little one feel right at home while they’re here, but in some situations, sedation dentistry for kids in Satellite Beach may be necessary. Our team offers multiple types to help calm and relax your little one while in the treatment chair. Call our office today to find out more!
Why Choose Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for Children’s Sedation Dentistry?
- Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Fun & Interactive Beach-Themed Office
- Patient & Kind Dental Team
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
For minor dental jitters, we can place a small nose mask on your child that will allow them to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas called nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Within a few moments, they’ll feel a relaxing wave wash over them that will make the rest of their appointment smooth sailing. After their service, they should feel like their normal selves within a few minutes. Here’s a quick look at the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation from the friendly team at Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, but please feel free to contact our office in Satellite Beach if you’d like to know more.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Dentists have used nitrous oxide for almost two hundred years because it is an incredibly safe way to make dental procedures more comfortable for children and adults. Your little one may be an excellent candidate for nitrous oxide treatment for reasons like:
- Being anxious about needles
- Having difficulty sitting still
- Having especially sensitive teeth
- Having an overactive gag reflex
- Experiencing anxiety about oral health treatments
- Being overly tolerant of local anesthetics
Nitrous oxide can be an especially excellent option for children with conditions that make it difficult for them to sit still like autism or cerebral palsy.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed over the nose while the patient is sitting in the treatment chair. This mask is attached to a hose through which the gas is fed. The effects of nitrous oxide typically begin after a few minutes, and your child will feel calmer, lighter, and less sensitive to discomfort. The effects will wear off about fifteen minutes after the patient stops receiving the gas, and the treatment is associated with no long-term side effects. In some cases, a child may feel a little dizzy or queasy for a few minutes, but these symptoms will fade quickly after treatment.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is incredibly safe and convenient in part because it does not involve any long-term side effects. After your child stops receiving the gas, their body will eliminate it from its system in about fifteen minutes, and they should be able to return to school after their appointment. However, you’ll need to make sure your child adheres to any instructions our dentist provides to prevent complications and discomfort after their checkup or restorative treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in the form of a single pill that your child will take before their appointment. Typically, the medications we use are in the diazepam family, like Valium. It helps treat anxiety and allows them to sit more comfortably in the treatment chair. Because the effects can linger for up to eight hours, they’ll need to take the rest of the day off of school and rest.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream in our office. We typically recommend this method for children with more severe fear or anxiety or those receiving more extensive dental treatment. As soon as the medication is administered, your child will notice the relaxing effects. In many cases, children aren’t able to remember much of their appointment when on IV sedation, making it almost seem like a dream!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Yes, sedation dentistry is considered very safe when administered by trained pediatric dental professionals like our team here at Beachside Smiles Pediatric Dentistry! There are strict guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that must be followed, not to mention that your child’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be closely monitored throughout the appointment. Plus, before recommending sedation, we will carefully review your child’s medical history, age, weight, and individual needs to make sure the best option is selected. At the end of the day, your child’s comfort and safety are always our top priority.
What Types of Sedation Are Available for Kids?
There are several types of sedation used in pediatric dentistry, and the best option depends on your child’s needs and the procedure that’s being performed. Here at our Satellite Beach dental office, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), the mildest form of sedation, oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a prescribed pill before the appointment, and IV sedation, which is administered intravenously and provides the deepest level of relaxation. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are excellent options for children who experience deep-seated dental anxiety or struggle to remain compliant during dental care, while IV sedation excels when longer or more complex procedures are involved.
Is My Child a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is normally recommended for children who experience significant dental fear, struggle to sit still, or require complex dental procedures. It is also often used when children have special healthcare needs. And in some cases, it can be beneficial for very young children who can’t cooperate due to age. During your consultation, our team will discuss your child’s medical history and behavioral needs with you, and we can determine if sedation dentistry is needed for their appointment and which option might be the best.
How Should I Prepare My Child for Sedation Dentistry?
Preparation depends on the type of sedation involved, but in many cases, children will need to avoid eating or drinking for a specific period before the appointment. You’ll be given detailed instructions ahead of time regarding whether there are any medications you’ll need to pause or anything you’ll need to bring with you. It’s never a bad idea for your child to wear comfortable clothing, and if they’re young, bringing a comfort item like a toy or blanket can also help. Another useful thing you can do is speak calmly and positively with your child, avoiding words that might cause fear (like needle or shot). In any case, our team will always provide clear instructions before and after your child’s visit and let you know how to ensure their comfort. If you still have questions or concerns, just let our team know!