Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: Four Things Parents Should Know

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.

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.

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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