At North Texas Pediatric Dentistry, our doctors are here to help your child get the dental care they need for a healthy mouth, even if they have dental anxiety or are nervous about an upcoming procedure.
EASING YOUR CHILD'S ANXIETY:
We know that visiting the dentist can be scary for kids of all ages, from young kids to pre-teens and even teenagers. Getting a treatment like a filling, crown, or tooth extraction can be a frightening prospect.
But with sedation dentistry from our office, your child can relax in the dentist’s chair and get the care they need without feeling uncomfortable, nervous, or anxious. And with multiple levels of sedation available, you can choose the one that’s right for you and your child.
WHEN TO CONSIDER SEDATION FOR YOUR CHILD:
- To help with fear and anxiety
- To help with a strong gag reflex
- To help with low pain tolerance
Sedation Options Include:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation uses a nose mask that delivers a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen, which will make your child feel less aware of what’s happening around them. It also helps with pain and discomfort, as well as feelings of anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, your child will take a liquid or pill-based sedative about an hour before their appointment. This sedative will make them feel groggy, and they may fall asleep or forget most of what happened at their appointment. However, they will not be unconscious and will be able to respond to commands.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses the same sedative drugs as oral conscious sedation, but they are delivered directly into a vein, resulting in a deeper level of sedation. However, just like oral conscious sedation, your child will remain conscious and responsive to commands, and can be woken up if they fall asleep.
Hospital Sedation
Hospital dentistry with general anesthesia is available for some procedures. In hospital dentistry with general anesthesia, your child will be completely unconscious, ensuring they do not feel any discomfort and can sleep through their entire procedure.