Sedation Dentistry
When Should We Think about Sedation?
​We know that a trip to the dentist can feel a bit scary for kids, whether they're little ones, pre-teens, or even teenagers! That’s why we offer a range of cozy sedation options to help your child feel calm and comfy in the dental chair. Together, we’ll find the perfect choice that makes your child’s visit a breeze! We’re here to chat with you about all the options and find out if sedation is a good fit for your child. There are many reasons why you might think about sedation, including:
Fear Of Needles
A lot of kiddos feel nervous about needles, especially when it comes to numbing their mouths. Sedation can help take away those jitters and keep your little one comfy while we take care of their smiles!
Dental Anxiety
Another great perk of sedation dentistry is that it helps your kiddo have a calm and cozy experience during their treatment. This way, they’re less likely to feel scared about future visits! Each time they come back, they’ll have happy memories instead of worrying about the dentist chair.
Strong Gag Reflex
With sedation, your child will feel much more at ease while we work in their mouth, making it easier for them and helping to keep any gag reflex in check.
Low Pain Tolerance
For little ones with sensory sensitivities or a low pain threshold, sedation can be a wonderful choice! It helps them stay comfy and confident during their treatment, no matter what brings them to our office.
Is Sedation Safe For My Little One?
You betcha! Our team is filled with superstars in pediatric dentistry, with a whole lot of special training in sedation just for kids! We use friendly, well-loved medications that pediatric dentists around the world trust, and they have a very low chance of causing any yucky side effects.
Before your little one’s appointment, we’ll have a fun chat with you and your child to talk about their health, any medicines they might be taking, and other important info. We want to hear your thoughts on sedation too, so together we can find the perfect fit for your child’s needs. If you have any questions or concerns before the big day, just give us a call! We’re here to help and make sure you feel comfy and ready!
Sedation Options At Tiny Teeth
Our top priority at Tiny Teeth is to keep your child's smile healthy and prevent dental issues before they start. That's why we recommend these simple and effective preventive treatments during your child's visit!
Nitrous Oxide
(Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a cozy nose mask that helps your little one feel comfy during their visit! This option is perfect for kids with a little bit of anxiety. It mixes laughing gas with oxygen, making your child feel more relaxed and less aware of what's going on. Plus, it helps ease any pain or discomfort!
Oral Conscious Sedation
​With oral conscious sedation, we’ll give your little one a special liquid “juice” about an hour before their treatment. This magical drink will help them feel super relaxed, and many kids even drift off to dreamland during their visit! Don’t worry—your child will still be able to respond to instructions. This option is great for kids who have a bit more anxiety.
General Anesthesia
We know that some kids need a little extra help to feel comfy during their dental visits. That’s why we offer general anesthesia in a safe and friendly children’s hospital setting! This option is perfect for kids with high anxiety, special needs, or those who need more complex treatments.
With general anesthesia, your child will be gently put to sleep, allowing our caring team to complete their dental work while they dream away. Our experienced staff will monitor them closely, ensuring their safety throughout the process. Afterward, your little one will wake up in a cozy recovery space, where our team will be ready to make sure they feel comfortable.
If you have questions about how general anesthesia can help your child, feel free to ask away! We’re here to help every step of the way.
How Do I Prepare My Kiddo For Sedation?
Getting ready for your child’s sedation appointment can be a breeze! What you need to do depends on the type of sedation they’ll be having. If they’re using nitrous oxide (that giggly gas), there’s nothing special you need to do! Just a little tip: it’s best for your child to skip a heavy meal for about 2 hours before their visit to help keep any tummy troubles away.
For oral conscious sedation or general anesthesia, there are a few extra steps to take. Don’t worry; our dentists will share all the important details with you! Usually, this means your little one will need to fast—no eating or drinking—for at least 8 hours before their appointment. They can sip water until 2 hours before it’s time to go, but make sure to follow the specific instructions from your dentist.
Also, plan to take the whole day off for your child’s appointment, unless they’re just getting nitrous oxide. This way, you can help them rest and feel cozy after their visit!
What Happens After Your Childs Sedation
After your little one’s sedation adventure, they can jump right back into their routine if they had nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Before our team takes off the nose mask, they’ll give your child some fresh oxygen to help clear out any leftover gas, keeping side effects to a minimum!
If your child had oral conscious sedation or general anesthesia, they might feel a bit drowsy for about 4-6 hours. It’s important to keep an eye on them for the rest of the day. Encourage lots of cozy rest and a good night’s sleep! Just like a superhero, they should avoid any big activities and make sure to sip on plenty of fluids. By the next day, they’ll be ready to tackle their adventures again!
If you have any questions about what to expect during recovery, don’t hesitate to chat with our team. They’re here to help!
