Should You Consider Sedation Dentistry for Your Child?

There’s no reason why comfort and dental care can’t go hand in hand – even for kids! At Montevallo Family Dentistry, we go above and beyond to eliminate stress and discomfort from each dental visit, especially when it involves our youngest patients. We have a talented and compassionate dental team who welcome the opportunity to care for your child’s smile in the most rewarding and relaxed ways possible. To this end, we offer sedation dentistry to pediatric patients. Here’s a closer look at what sedation dentistry involves, and if it may be right for your own child.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry does not mean your child will be put to sleep. Instead, we will use safe and effective methods to help them achieve a fully relaxed state, despite their level of fear or anxiety. For many patients, sedation dentistry helps to establish a positive association with the dentist, which offers significant benefits as they handle their own dental care in adulthood.

Nitrous oxide sedation, or “laughing gas,” is the most commonly used form of sedation for kids. It involves wearing a small nosepiece and breathing in a sweet, colorless gas of nitrous oxide to slowly relax. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes of removing the mask after the procedure, and there are no lingering side effects, even for kids.

Reason Why Your Child is Anxious at the Dentist

The dentist can be intimidating for many kids. However, some children have a severe anxiety or fear of dental care. Sedation dentistry can help children overcome some of the following while attending their dental visits:

• Fear of Being Powerless (position of lying back in chair)
• Fear of Pain
• Fear of the Unknown
• Sensory Issues (sights, smells and sounds of the dentist)
• Trouble Sitting Still

We love kids at Montevallo Family Dentistry! Not only do we offer a full menu of pediatric dental services, but we also make it a priority to make dental visits a fun, comfortable and stress-free experience for young patients. For more information on sedation dentistry for kids, please call our office.

Posted on behalf of Montevallo Family Dentistry