Going to the dentist can be a frightening, anxiety-inducing trip for people of all ages, but it can be especially scary to children. If your child has significant dental anxiety or has special needs that make it difficult to provide proper dental care, you may be curious if sedation dentistry is right for them.
At Smile Cove Pediatric Dental, our dentist strives to create a calming, welcoming environment to put children at ease, but we also offer three different types of sedation dentistry to best suit your child’s needs. Below, we’ll explain a bit more about each type to help you determine which one may work best for your child.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves administering a carefully measured dose of medication through a small needle. The medication will quickly enter your children’s veins and cause them to become deeply relaxed, or even fall asleep. IV sedation can be a good option if your child has to sit still while undergoing a lengthy dental operation or procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, colloquially known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative administered through a mask that covers the nose. As your child inhales the nitrous oxide, it’ll provide a calming effect without causing them to fall asleep, making it a great choice for kids with dental anxiety. Once the mask is removed, the effects quickly wear off, so your child’s behavior will be back to normal in no time.
Oral Sedation
This sedation dentistry technique uses a prescribed medication that your child takes before an appointment. The medication will help make your child more relaxed, drowsy, and tranquil, helping them go through a standard dental procedure or checkup without suffering from high levels of anxiety.