Sedation
Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for the dentist to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for children with special needs. There are many safe and effective drugs available today that can help relax your child and promote a good environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.
Conscious sedation is an option for children who are mildly apprehensive. This highly effective method can be administered in oral form or in an inhalation method using nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
General Anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or amount of treatment needed, to cooperate during dental treatment. Our practice utilizes the surgery center or hospital to treat these patients under the care of a certified anesthesiologist. Please feel free to ask us about all of our options for your child so that he/she is most comfortable during dental treatment.
Sedation dentistry is most helpful for:
- Children who require major treatment
- A very anxious child
- Children that have had traumatic dental experiences (sound and smell aversion)
- Children with a strong gag reflex
- Children who have special needs