02
Dec
What Parents Should Know About Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
For many children, sedation dentistry is the answer to receiving the dental care they deserve without fear or anxiety. Simply Kids Dental offers sedation dental care in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to help your little one relax as the dentist works on them. So, if your child needs some help to calm their nervousness during treatment, let Dr. Sean Vostatek know at the next appointment.
What you should know about sedation dentistry
Does your child show signs like sweaty palms, trembling, or visible uneasiness before a dental visit? Or does your child cry, scream, or throw a tantrum when it’s time to visit the dentist? These are signs of dental fear, and your child probably needs the help of sedation dentistry to enjoy dental care.
Here’s what you need to know about sedation dentistry for children.
1. It’s safe
Are you worried about the safety of sedation dentistry? Don’t be! Rest assured, sedation is safe and effective when administered by a trained and board-certified pediatric dentist. Dr. Sean Vostatek is experienced in delivering the proper dosage and timing for optimal, comfortable sedation results. Also, we conduct a comprehensive screening of your child’s medical history before any treatment to ensure safety. Be sure to inform us about your child’s current medications, allergies, or underlying health conditions to ensure the best care for your child.
2. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation
We offer several sedation options to cater to different needs. Nitrous oxide sedation involves using a small mask to administer sedation. Your child inhales the sedation gas naturally through the mask, and they’ll feel calm and relaxed in a few minutes. Nitrous oxide is mild and doesn’t put your child to sleep. Instead, they will be awake and able to hear and communicate with our dental team. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off once we remove the mask.
We also offer oral sedation to manage moderate dental fear. Dr. Sean prescribes a pill or syrup medication, which our team will administer about 30 minutes before the treatment. Like nitrous oxide, oral sedation doesn’t put your child to sleep. They’ll be greatly relaxed but awake to answer cues from our dental team. However, the sedation effects remain after treatment, so monitor your child for the next 4-6 hours until the grogginess subsides.
Comfort, Care, and Critters: Why This Mom Loves Simply Kids Dental!
The mom of two of our patients shares why she brings her boys to Simply Kids Dental. From anxiety free visits for her son who is scared of the dentist to the animals her kids love seeing at the clinic, Simply Kids Dental provides a great experience for her boys.
Speaker 1 – Hi Brianna, why do you bring your children to Simply Kids Dental?
Speaker 2 – We come to Simply Kids because Sean and his team are absolutely wonderful. My older of two little boys is really scared of the dentist, and they always make him feel safe and comfortable and happy so—and they love the animals at the office, so thanks guys.
Speaker 1 – Awesome, and we’re so happy to have you as our patients.
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New Patients: (719) 249-2030 | Existing Patients: (719) 598-5437
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3. It’s ideal for sensitive and special needs patients
Children with special needs may experience heightened anxiety or fear during dental appointments due to unfamiliar environments, sounds, or sensations. Also, dental treatments may be overwhelming for kids with sensory sensitivities. Dental sights, noises, and smells might be distressing, making it difficult for them to remain still or cooperate. Sedation dentistry helps calm their nerves, making the experience less stressful for the child and the parents/caregivers.
4. Be aware of possible side effects
Although sedation dentistry is safe, it’s vital to understand the possible side effects. When sedated, your child may feel tingly, and their arms and legs may feel heavy. This is normal and differs from one patient to another. After treatment, your child may experience mild headaches, nausea, shivering, soreness, and sleepiness. Nothing should worry you. These side effects don’t pose any health concerns and will disappear within hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Dental Care
What causes dental anxiety in children?
Dental anxiety in children can stem from several sources. Common causes include a previous negative dental experience, fear of pain or the unknown, sensitivity to sights, sounds, or smells in the dental office, or anxiety picked up from a parent’s dental fears. Some children may also feel a loss of control when seated in the dental chair or become nervous about being separated from their parents during treatment. Children with generalized anxiety disorders or sensory processing challenges may be more prone to dental-related fears.
How can I calm my child’s fear of the pediatric dentist?
Start by talking to your child in a positive, age-appropriate way about what to expect. Avoid using words like “pain,” “shot,” or “drill.” Instead, use reassuring language and emphasize how Dr. Sean helps keep their teeth strong and healthy. Bring comfort items like a favorite stuffed toy, and consider scheduling a “happy visit” to let your child meet the dental team and explore the office without any treatment. Staying calm yourself is also important—children often take emotional cues from their parents.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children with anxiety?
Yes, sedation dentistry is considered safe for children when administered by trained professionals under proper guidelines. Options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation may be used depending on the child’s level of anxiety and the procedure. Sedation helps children relax, reduces fear, and makes it easier for our team to perform the necessary treatment safely and efficiently. Pediatric dental offices follow strict monitoring protocols to ensure your child’s well-being during and after sedation.
How can I help my child prepare for a dental visit?
Preparation is key to reducing anxiety. Read books or watch videos about visiting the pediatric dentist to help familiarize your child with the experience. Role-playing at home—pretending to be Dr. Sean and his patient—can make the idea more fun and less intimidating. Make sure your child is well-rested and has a light meal before the visit unless sedation requires fasting. Talk positively about the appointment and remind your child that the dental team is there to help them stay healthy and strong.
What are the signs that my child has dental anxiety?
Signs of dental anxiety in children include crying, tantrums, clinginess, complaints of stomach aches before appointments, or refusal to enter the dental office. They may also become unusually quiet or ask repeated questions about what will happen. Physical symptoms such as sweating or increased heart rate may occur in some cases. Recognizing these signs early allows you and Dr. Sean to work together on strategies that make dental visits more comfortable.
Can dental anxiety affect my child’s oral health?
Yes, dental anxiety can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and poor oral hygiene habits. Children who fear the pediatric dentist may avoid care until problems become painful or severe, which can worsen anxiety over time. Early intervention and supportive dental care can break this cycle.
Request an appointment with our Colorado Springs dentist!
Does your child show reluctance or resistance in the dental chair? Or perhaps they express worries about discomfort or pain during treatment? Sedation dentistry from Simply Kids Dental can help your child enjoy dentistry again. Call (719) 249-2030 to reserve an appointment with Dr. Vostatek and the team.
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Dr. Sean Vostatek
Dr. Sean Vostatek is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in treating infants, children, and those with special needs. He graduated from Texas A&M University and earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Vostatek is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society. He is also a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sean holds hospital privileges at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital, Audubon Surgery Center, and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center in Salida, Colorado.