Sedation Dentistry

Nervous Patients Can Relax at Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry

Many children struggle with visiting the dentist, so if your child has dental anxiety, rest assured that they’re not alone. Fortunately, pediatric sedation dentistry can make dental visits a much more relaxed and comfortable experience for children and their caregivers. Sedation dentistry is often an excellent option for children who may relate to the following:

• Sensitive teeth or a severe gag reflex
• A fear of needles and “shots”
• Dislike of the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental treatment
• A fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia)
• Difficulty getting numb from a local anesthetic (e.g., Lidocaine or Novocaine)
• Undergoing complex or lengthy dental procedures
• Difficulty sitting still or controlling their movements

What Are the Sedation Dentistry Options?

Oral Conscious Sedation – This type of dental sedation will make your child feel drowsy but will not put them in a state of sleep. When appropriate for the child and the required procedure, we’ll prescribe an oral medication that your child will need to take prior to their appointment. Please note they may continue to feel groggy for several hours after their visit.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (“laughing gas”) – This form of sedation dentistry works by temporarily altering your child’s pain and pleasure receptors. We’ll administer a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nose mask, which will produce a euphoric sensation. Once we’ve finished the necessary procedures, we’ll then administer pure oxygen instead, and the sedation will wear off quickly.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation – IV sedation is the deepest type of sedation dentistry that we offer in our office. We work with an exceptional team comprised of a trained Anesthesiologist and nurses. This team will insert an IV and use it to administer medication directly into your child’s bloodstream. They will monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the procedure and make any necessary dosage adjustments. Once your child wakes up, they will likely not remember anything about the treatment experience.

General Anesthesia – In more complex cases, we recommend families visit Valleygate Dental Surgical Center, where our doctors have access to general anesthesia via Anesthesiologists and a team of credited nurses. This office is specifically designed to manage the unique needs of children, including those with exceptional challenges. Our doctors also have privileges with local hospitals and have access to their OR facilities to better manage the dental needs of patients with special health considerations.

During your child's initial assessment, our experienced dentist will take the time to inform you of your child's options and what to expect with each. Once our highly trained team learns more about your child, they will recommend the most appropriate option for their specific needs and walk you through exactly what you can expect before, during, and after treatment. We will make sure you’re completely comfortable before beginning treatment - your child's health is our main priority!

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Learn More About Sedation Dentistry in Charlotte, Gastonia, Davidson & Kannapolis, NC, and Fort Mill, SC