At World Pediatric Dental, our primary goal in treating children is to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
Although we do our best to keep treatments noninvasive, sometimes we might need to keep your child still for a longer period of time. In these cases, some form of sedation dentistry might be needed so we can complete treatment.
There are also children who might have an extreme fear of the dentist who can benefit from sedation dentistry to keep them fully relaxed while they are in the dental chair. Others might have special needs or a difficult time keeping still. Sedation dentistry can mean the difference between a stressful experience or a relaxed one; this can color their view of the dentist for years to come.
Dr. Dutta will evaluate your child and will always choose the most conservative option possible. His reliable advice weighs the risks and benefits, and he will discuss this with you thoroughly.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, is a safe, mild form of sedation commonly used by pediatric dentists. Nitrous oxide is a way for patients to feel completely relaxed during a procedure while remaining fully conscious. It’s especially effective for children who are prone to fidgeting.
It starts working the moment it is breathed in, and its effects wear off just as quickly. It is administered like oxygen, with a mask that is placed over your child’s nose. We carefully monitor the dose during treatment.
Your child is completely conscious while under the effects of this mild sedative. He or she is awake and able to communicate during treatment, if necessary.
When treatment is complete and the mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide are completely gone within a few moments.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is similar to nitrous oxide in that it keeps your child conscious but relaxed during treatment. Your child will probably have limited memory of the procedure, and he or she may actually fall asleep while under oral conscious sedation.
Before recommending oral conscious sedation, Dr. Dutta will discuss with you your child’s medical history, allergies, and prescriptions to ensure safety.
General Anesthesia
In some cases, Dr. Dutta might recommend general anesthesia for particularly lengthy or complex treatment. Children who have an extreme phobia of the dentist may also be good candidates. Some children with special needs, who might find it difficult to sit through an entire appointment, might also benefit from general anesthesia.
Dr. Dutta will go over the details with you to make sure you are completely comfortable given the situation.
Call World Pediatric Dental for a Consultation
If you have concerns about your child visiting the dentist or you believe your child might need a lengthy or complex procedure, find out more about sedation dentistry.
Your child’s safety is of utmost important to us. Call us to schedule a consultation and find out which options are available for your little one.
18707 Hardy Oak Blvd San Antonio, Texas, 78258 USA
info@worldpediatricdental.com • 210-888-0700