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Nov
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: Questions Parents May Ask
Children often feel intimidated or anxious when visiting a dentist or receiving treatment. Simply Kids Dental wants all patients to enjoy dentistry. So, if your child has dental fear, our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sean Vostatek, offers sedation dentistry in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to keep your child calm and help them receive the care they need. Whether your child has mild or severe dental anxiety, rest assured they’ll get the best care from our team.
Why do children need sedation dental care?
Dental fear or anxiety is common among children and adults. Often, it leads to dental avoidance, worsening your oral health. When your child skips routine exams, cleanings, and other treatments, they become more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help make dental visits more comfortable and stress-free for your child, ensuring they receive the essential care they need.
Your child may need sedation dentistry if they:
- Have mild to severe dental anxiety
- Have low tolerance to pain
- Are afraid of injections
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Are undergoing complex treatments
- Have special needs
- Have trouble staying still in the dental chair
What sedation dentistry options are available to my child?
Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is the most common sedation option for children. It’s mild and suitable for children from age three. Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask placed on the mouth or nose. The effects kick in immediately after your child starts inhaling the gas. Your child will feel floaty, euphoric, and relaxed but awake enough to communicate with the team. The sedation effects wear off immediately after the mask is withdrawn.Â
Severely anxious children, young children, or those who have had a previous negative experience in a dental setting can benefit from oral conscious sedation. This procedure involves taking oral medication 15 minutes up to one hour before the treatment. Available in a pill-based or liquid formula, the sedation induces deep relaxation, but your child will still be awake. While most will be relaxed and watch a movie, some may drift off into light sleep, but a slight nudge is all that is needed to rouse them from their slumber. Unlike inhalation sedation, the effects of the anti-anxiety medication don’t leave the body immediately after treatment. Closely observe your child for the next 4-8 hours and ensure they avoid physical activities that day as they recover.Â
How safe is sedation dentistry in children?
Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained personnel. Dr. Sean is a diplomat in pediatric dentistry and is well-versed in the latest techniques and protocols for sedation dentistry. His expertise ensures that the appropriate type and level of sedation are selected for each child, whether mild sedation for relaxation or deeper sedation for more extensive procedures.
Does my child need to fast beforehand?
Inhalation sedation with laughing gas doesn’t need much preparation. Your child may have a light meal or drink before the treatment. However, heavy meals aren’t recommended as they can make your child nauseous. For oral conscious sedation, your child shouldn’t eat or drink after midnight. Meals may cause nausea or affect the effectiveness of the medication.
A Grateful Mom's Shout-Out to Simply Kids Dental - Expert Care for Healthy Smiles!
In this heartfelt testimonial, Aliyah's mom expresses her gratitude to the team at Simply Kids Dental. She gives special thanks to Aaliyah and Shannon for their dedication, particularly with sedation treatments, ensuring her child's dental health and comfort. Watch this video to learn how the caring and skilled team at Simply Kids Dental makes a difference for families and their little ones.
Speaker 1 – I’m Aliyah’s mom, and I just want to give a shout-out to the whole Simply Kids team. They’re all great, but especially to Aaliyah and especially to Shannon for those sedation treatments, keeping these sugar bugs out of these kids’ mouths and healthy. God bless you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
What types of sedation are available for children at Simply Kids Dental?
Simply Kids Dental offers several types of sedation options tailored to meet each child’s unique needs and comfort level. These include nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. During treatments, nitrous oxide, a mild sedative, helps kids feel calm and comfortable while staying awake. Oral conscious sedation involves giving the child medication by mouth to help them become drowsy but still responsive. The choice depends on your child’s age, health, anxiety level, and the type of dental work being performed.
Is dental sedation safe for my child?
Yes, dental sedation is generally very safe when administered by trained board-certified pediatric dental professionals. All sedation procedures are conducted under strict safety protocols and monitored at our office. Before recommending sedation, Dr. Sean will evaluate your child’s medical history, allergies, and current medications. Vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing are continuously monitored throughout the procedure. Parents are given thorough instructions and are encouraged to ask any questions to ensure peace of mind.
How do I prepare my child for a sedation appointment?
Preparation is important for a safe and smooth experience. The dental team will provide detailed pre-sedation instructions, including when your child should stop eating or drinking before the appointment, typically six to eight hours in advance. Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and avoid giving them any medications unless approved by Dr. Sean. You should also talk to your child in reassuring terms, explaining that the sedation will help them feel calm and relaxed during their visit.
What can I expect after my child receives dental sedation?
After sedation, it’s normal for your child to feel drowsy, disoriented, or irritable for a few hours. You’ll be asked to monitor them closely and keep them resting at home. Avoid strenuous activities, and provide soft foods and plenty of fluids as recommended. Side effects like slight nausea or grogginess may occur but usually resolve quickly. The dental team will provide specific aftercare instructions and tell you what signs to watch for in the rare event of a complication.
When is sedation recommended for pediatric dental procedures?
Sedation is typically recommended for children who experience high anxiety or fear about dental visits, have a strong gag reflex, require extensive or invasive procedures, or have difficulty sitting still due to age or developmental conditions. It may also be used for children with special healthcare needs who would otherwise have trouble tolerating dental care.
What if my child has special needs—can they still receive sedation?
Absolutely. Sedation can be especially helpful for children with special healthcare needs who may struggle with traditional dental procedures including their routine cleanings. The team at Simply Kids Dental is experienced in providing individualized care, and they will work closely with you to determine the safest and most effective sedation option for your child’s specific needs.
Pediatric sedation dentistry near me
Don't let dental anxiety take control of your child's oral health. Call (719) 249-2030 to schedule an appointment with Simply Kids Dental for sedation dentistry. It's time to help your child enjoy dentistry again!
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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.