Dental anxiety is a common problem for children and adults alike. Unfortunately, this fear of the unknown can keep children from going to the dentist. Thankfully, there are different sedation methods available to help keep children and teens calm and relaxed when visiting the dentist. With dental sedation, visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be scary, and children can have a better experience overall.
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we want your child to feel at home when they visit us. We offer various sedation options for kids and teens, such as oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. If you are searching for a kid’s sedation dentist near me, Phoenix pediatric dentist, or the best pediatric dentist Phoenix, we are here for you. To make an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
We look forward to helping your child with their beautiful smile!
Sedation dentistry is a type of dental treatment that uses medication to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures. Sedatives can be administered through multiple routes, such as intravenously (IV), orally (pill or liquid), or gas inhalation (N.O.). It is a safe and comfortable option for children who may feel overwhelmed in a traditional dental office and can be used for most childhood procedures, from fillings and cleanings to braces or root canals.
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
🍎Eliminating common fears associated with the dentist’s office, such as gagging, pain, loud noises, smells, and the taste of traditional numbing agents.
🍎Administered under trained medical professionals with close supervision and monitoring, making it one of the safest forms of medicine administration available.
🍎Children don’t remember any discomfort they experienced, so they are more relaxed in future visits.
🍎 Parents can rest assured that their children will be comfortable and safe throughout the process.
The type of sedation we offer at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry will depend on the procedure your child requires and their medical history. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation methods or if there is any change to your child’s health or medical condition, please feel free to discuss this with Dr.Martinez.
A liquid (juice) is given to your child at their appointment, allowing them to relax during the dental visit. The amount of medication (oral sedative) given varies depending on the age and weight of your child. This method allows us to offer mild to moderate sedation for your child.
Also referred to as ‘laughing gas,’ nitrous oxide is administered through a face mask so the patient can still breathe normally and stay conscious during the procedure. Your child will be awake throughout the procedure, but this effective technique allows us to reduce gag reflex and anxiety while allowing for communication. This mild sedation method wears off quickly after removing the mask, allowing your child to return to normal activities.
This type of deep sedation requires an intravenous line inserted into your child’s arm and the sedative administered slowly throughout the procedure, allowing your child to remain in a deep state of relaxation while remaining conscious. We offer in-house IV sedation dentistry from a board-certified anesthesiologist that will monitor vital signs (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels) to ensure the safety of our young patients. This method is often used in more lengthy or complex surgical procedures.
Pediatric sedation dentistry is generally very safe and effective when administered by a trained and experienced pediatric dentist. We take the safety of our patients seriously and follow every necessary protocol to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable while under sedation. Your child will be monitored throughout the entire procedure, both visually and with monitoring equipment.
Pediatric dental sedation is often recommended for dental procedures that are more invasive and may cause discomfort or raise the level of anxiety in a child. While there is no exhaustive list of services requiring pediatric dental sedation, it is used on a case-by-case basis for certain services. Common dental procedures requiring sedation include tooth extraction, root canal, wisdom teeth removal, and oral surgery.
Even if a procedure seems minor, sedation can be beneficial in helping children feel more comfortable and relaxed if they have anxiety or dental phobia. To help your child relax, bring a toy or stuffed animal to the appointment. Some children find that wearing headphones or earplugs during their procedure helps them to feel more comfortable.
Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry offers safe and effective sedation dentistry options to help your child feel calm throughout the dental appointment. We aim to ensure your child feels safe, secure, and stress-free during their visit. We understand that children may be unable to express their anxieties or discomfort, so we strive to ensure they are comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
If you are searching for a kids sedation dentist near me, Phoenix Pediatric dentist, or the best pediatric dentist Phoenix, we are here for you. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 935-7427 or complete the online booking form.
Summary
The side effects of dental sedation vary depending on the type of sedation used, but some of the most common are drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and nausea. If you have any questions or concerns about potential side effects, please contact us to discuss.
It is important for your child to rest at home after receiving conscious oral sedation in our dental office, as the medication will remain in their system for up to 6 hours. Please keep a close eye on your child’s activity for the rest of the day.
This largely depends on the type of sedation your child received and the length of their procedure. We generally recommend waiting 1-2 hours after a sedation appointment before providing food or drinks. Some children may experience nausea after sedation. Therefore, it is best to offer food once the nausea has subsided. Water can be given when your child is alert and responsive. Solid foods like toast, crackers, applesauce, and yogurt are ideal.
In some cases your child may experience a mild fever after dental work, but this is normal. Any fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit should be monitored closely, and your pediatric dentist should be contacted if it persists.
While your child should feel no pain, it is important to note that sedation does not necessarily mean your child will feel no discomfort. Depending on the type of sedation used and the procedure, they may still experience minor discomfort or pressure. That being said, we always strive to provide the most comfortable dental care for children while under anesthesia.
