Sedation Dentistry for Children in Columbia, SC
Dental visits should be comfortable, anxiety-free, and safe for children, as well as their onlooking parents. Your child will immediately notice the fun decor and welcoming atmosphere in our office. We also use child-centric techniques like getting eye-to-eye with young patients when talking and speaking in easy-to-understand terms for the child’s age, whether they are toddlers or young adults. To keep patients calm and comfortable during dental procedures, our children’s dentist may suggest sedation dentistry.
DID YOU KNOW?
75% of the total global population has experienced mild to severe anxiety during a dental procedure.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry for kids helps them relax and experience minimal or no discomfort during dental treatments. Here are a few of the sedation options that can be used:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) will reduce a patient’s anxiety and discomfort. A mask placed over the nose delivers the appropriate amount of nitrous oxide, while we monitor the child’s comfort level and vital signs throughout a procedure. Once we turn off the laughing gas and administer pure oxygen, the sedating effects wear off fast. Your child can return to school, play, or regular activities following the visit.
- IV, or intravenous, sedation is provided in some situations. We administer IV sedation directly into the bloodstream, and we retain control of the level of sedation throughout the procedure. In addition, your child’s vital signs will be closely monitored to ensure optimal safety. IV sedation will have lingering effects. It’s best to take your child home after the appointment, so they can rest and recover.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is not always necessary. For short or minimally invasive treatments, numbing the affected tooth and surrounding gums is usually sufficient for maintaining a patient’s comfort. However, the dentist may suggest sedation dentistry in these situations:
- Dental anxiety: Your child feels anxious, fearful, or cries when going to the dentist. We never want your little one to feel uncomfortable in our office!
- Sensory issues: Some children get anxious in unfamiliar situations and surroundings, becoming overly sensitive to sights, sounds or smells. Pediatric sedation reduces these feelings and sensations.
- Inability to sit still and follow instructions: Young kids, under six years of age, may not cooperate for more than a few moments. To reduce the risk of injury and complications during dental treatments, the dentist may recommend sedation.
- Lengthy procedures: If a procedure takes over an hour or so, your child could become uncomfortable sitting still. For longer treatments, we may recommend pediatric sedation to ensure optimal comfort for your child and peace of mind for you!
- Safety concerns: If your child has an extremely sensitive gag reflex or needs more than one procedure completed in a visit, sedation dentistry will help ensure the child’s safety, as well as their comfort.
- Special needs: Our patients with a disability or disabilities are indeed special to us. These kids sometimes have difficulty tolerating procedures, while remaining still and following the dentist’s instructions. To perform dental treatments safely and completely on children with disabilities, we may recommend pediatric sedation dentistry.
Comfortable Dental Care with Sedation Dentistry
As your trusted children’s dental team, we take our responsibility seriously. A child should feel welcome, important, and comfortable in our office, even during procedures. Our dentist may recommend sedation dentistry to offer the best care for your child. If you have any questions about these procedures, our team is here to answer any questions.
