If your child is nervous about coming to the dentist or has dental anxiety, sedation at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry may be just what you need to help them get the care they need. We offer gentle care for patients, so contact us to learn more about your child’s sedation options and schedule an appointment today.
Laughing gas is the most common method of sedation for kids. Your child will wear a nose mask, and breathe in a mixture of laughing gas and oxygen. They will feel “floaty,” and disconnected from what’s happening around them. This gas helps to minimize anxiety, fear, and discomfort, and also helps to minimize a child’s strong gag reflex.
Laughing gas rarely causes side effects which are minor if they do occur (minor headache, dizziness, or upset stomach). Your child will be given 100% oxygen at the end of the appointment to “flush” the laughing gas out of their system so that they can resume normal activities almost immediately after the appointment.
Oral sedation is a safe and effective technique that uses a liquid sedative that your child will take 15-30 minutes before their appointment once they are at the office. Our team has experience using many different types of oral sedation medicines and will tailor the sedation medicine to your child and their needs. After it takes effect, they will feel groggy and sleepy. They may fall asleep during their treatment, and it is normal for them to not remember most of the appointment. However, they still can be woken up and are responsive to commands.
Your child cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the night before this type of sedation, and they may not go to school or any activities before or after this appointment. A parent or legal guardian must bring the child to the appointment and must remain home with the child for the day to closely monitor them. It takes a few hours for oral conscious sedation to wear off and may cause side effects like confusion, nausea, drowsiness, and a headache.
We understand that some children may feel anxious about dental procedures. That's why we're proud to offer oral sedation as a safe, effective option to help your child stay comfortable and relaxed during their treatment. This gentle form of sedation involves taking medication by mouth shortly before the appointment, allowing your child to remain awake but feel calm and at ease throughout their visit.
Each child's sedation plan is carefully customized based on their age, weight, medical history, and specific needs. Our experienced team will thoroughly review your child's health history and provide detailed instructions before the appointment. Throughout the procedure, we continuously monitor your child's vital signs to ensure their complete safety and comfort.
At Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some children require extra comfort and care during their dental procedures. We offer in-office general anesthesia with our highly trained anesthesiologist, providing a safe, controlled environment for your child's dental treatment. This specialized service allows us to complete necessary dental work while your child rests comfortably and safely, all within our state-of-the-art facility.
For patients requiring advanced care or specialized medical support, Dr. Martinez provides comprehensive dental services at Phoenix Children's Hospital. This partnership allows us to treat children with complex medical needs in a hospital setting, ensuring they receive the highest level of care with full medical support. Our affiliation with Phoenix Children's Hospital demonstrates our commitment to providing exceptional dental care for all children, regardless of their medical circumstances
Why choose sedation for your child? You’re in good hands at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. We’ll ensure your child is safe, comfortable, and can get the care they need. Sedation is not one size fits all. We offer many levels of sedation to fit your child and their exact needs, and offer many treatment options that do not include sedation at all! Know that your child’s safety and comfort are our #1 priority at all times, so we will be sure to review all of your child’s options for treatment together before we move forward.
If your little one is nervous or scared of the dentist, sedation will help soothe them and ensure they feel safe throughout their treatment.
Your child can stay still, comfortable, and calm throughout even the longest dental appointment with sedation.
Many kids are very afraid of needles, which makes numbing difficult. Sedation can help them overcome this fear, and also address other issues like a strong gag reflex.
General anesthesia is a common treatment option for pediatric dental patients that are very young or require a lot of dental work or invasive and complex dental work. This is a sedation method that is delivered with the help of a residency-trained dental or medical doctor called an anesthesiologist.
This sedation allows your child to be completely asleep and comfortable throughout the appointment. Your child will not feel or remember anything about this appointment because they will be asleep in the same way they would for other surgeries. General Anesthesia is done with an anesthesiologist present providing the sedation while Dr. Martinez completes the dental work. Having two doctors present allows us to get all of your child’s dental treatment needs done at one time and ensure that they are safe and comfortable.
We offer this option in the office for healthy children and also at the hospital for medically complex children or for any parent who may prefer a hospital setting. General Anesthesia is commonly used for children who are young, have special healthcare needs, or require extensive or complex dental treatment. If your child has many teeth that need treatment or extractions or if they are simply unable to tolerate dental treatment while they are awake, then this may be an ideal option to accomplish their treatment needs.
Dental sedation in children is a procedure that involves administering sedatives to help the child relax during dental procedures. The effects of dental sedation in kids can vary depending on the type of sedation used and the child's individual response to it.
The most common type of sedation used in pediatric dentistry is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This type of sedation helps to calm the child and reduce anxiety without causing them to lose consciousness. After inhaling the gas, the child may feel a sense of euphoria or light-headedness, which can help them to relax during the procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide are temporary and usually wear off shortly after the gas is stopped.
Oral sedation is another type of sedation that may be used in children. This involves the child taking a sedative medication orally before the procedure. The effects of oral sedation can include drowsiness, relaxed muscles, and a decreased awareness of what's happening around them. These effects can last for a few hours after the procedure.
In some cases, deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be used. This type of sedation can cause the child to become completely unconscious. After the procedure, the child may feel groggy or disoriented as the anesthesia wears off.
Dental sedation is generally considered safe for children when administered by a trained professional. Pediatric dentists like Dr. Martinez at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry are specially trained to administer sedation and monitor children's vital signs during the procedure to ensure their safety.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with dental sedation. These can include nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction to the sedative. In addition, children with certain medical conditions, such as respiratory or heart disease, may be at a higher risk for complications from sedation.
Before your child undergoes dental sedation, Dr. Martinez will conduct a thorough medical history review and physical examination to assess the child's overall health and determine the most appropriate type of sedation. He will also discuss the risks and benefits of sedation with you so that you can make an informed decision about your child's care.
The duration of sedation can vary depending on the type of sedation used and the individual child's response to it.
With nitrous oxide, the effects usually begin to wear off as soon as the gas is stopped. Most children are fully alert within a few minutes to half an hour after the procedure.
Oral sedation can last for a few hours after the procedure. The child may feel drowsy and need to rest for the remainder of the day.
In the case of deeper sedation or general anesthesia, the effects can last for several hours after the procedure. The child will need to be closely monitored during this time to ensure their safety.
It's important to note that every child is unique, and their response to sedation can vary. Dr. Martinez and his team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry will provide you with specific instructions for your child's care after sedation, based on their individual needs and the type of sedation used.
Understanding the necessity of sedation for your child's dental procedure is crucial. In many cases, sedation dentistry is not just about comfort—it's about ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective dental treatment. While not every procedure requires sedation, it can be beneficial in certain situations.
For instance, if your child experiences high levels of anxiety or fear about dental visits, sedation can help them relax, making the procedure less stressful. Similarly, if your child has a low pain threshold, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or needs a large amount of dental work, sedation can be a game-changer.
Dr. Martinez and the team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry are highly experienced in pediatric sedation dentistry. They'll assess your child's specific needs, the complexity of the procedure, and your child's overall health to determine if sedation is necessary. Remember, the ultimate goal is to provide your child with the best dental care possible in the most comfortable and stress-free environment.
The preparation for sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation your child will receive. Dr. Martinez will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your child's specific situation. However, some general guidelines apply.
First, it's important to discuss the process with your child in a way they'll understand, reassuring them that the sedation is to help them feel more comfortable. You might explain that they'll feel sleepy or may not remember much about the procedure.
Second, your child may need to fast (avoid eating or drinking) for a certain period before sedation, especially if they'll receive general anesthesia. This reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.
Lastly, dress your child in comfortable clothing, and bring along a favorite toy or blanket for added comfort and security.
Remember, every child is different, and preparation may vary. Always follow the specific instructions provided by Dr. Martinez and his team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry.
Patient safety is the top priority at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. Rest assured, your child will be closely monitored throughout the entire sedation process.
During the procedure, the dental team will use specialized equipment to track your child's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing rate. This continuous monitoring allows the team to immediately detect and respond to any changes in your child's condition.
Dr. Martinez and his team are highly trained in pediatric sedation and emergency procedures, ensuring your child is in safe hands. They'll also keep you informed about your child's progress and any necessary post-procedure care.
Remember, sedation dentistry is a proven, safe technique when performed by experienced professionals like Dr. Martinez and his team at Big Apple Pediatric Dentistry. They're committed to making your child's dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
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