Imagine your child needing a complex dental procedure like a tooth extraction or other oral surgery. With sedation dentistry, your child can undergo the treatment without any memory of discomfort or the time involved. At Glen Ellyn kiDDS, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental care with the option of sedation so every patient can have a positive dental experience.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication or gas to help patients stay calm and comfortable during dental treatment. Often, patients will even fall asleep. Sedation allows our dental team to perform a range of procedures safely and comfortably.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS, our pediatric dentists evaluate sedation options on an individual basis. Sedation dentistry can be particularly beneficial for kids who:
- Are distressed by the sounds, sensations, or smells associated with dental work
- Require invasive dental procedures
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Experience high anxiety when visiting the dentist
- Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
- Struggle to stay numb with local anesthetics
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Whether your child has had a negative dental experience in the past or they can’t tolerate long procedures, sedation can help. Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, making dental visits less stressful for both children and parents. Some key advantages include:
- Your child won’t remember the dental treatment, reducing the likelihood of future anxiety surrounding dental appointments.
- While under sedation, your child won’t hear any noises from dental tools, feel discomfort, or notice any odd smells.
- Sedation helps eliminate fear and anxiety, ensuring your child is relaxed during treatment.
Sedation Options at Glen Ellyn kiDDS
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two primary types of sedation. These include:
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide sedation, often called laughing gas, is one of the safest analgesics used in dentistry. It is an effective way to help your child relax. Administered through a small mask placed over the nose, the gas helps your child feel calm while remaining awake. The side effects wear off quickly after the procedure.
General Anesthesia
For more extensive procedures or for children with severe anxiety or special healthcare needs, general anesthesia can be beneficial. This option allows your child to sleep through the procedure, ensuring a pain-free and stress-free experience.
Patients are fully unaware of voices, commands, or any sensations during their dental treatment with this level of sedation. It’s important for parents to understand that the risks of general anesthesia in a dental office are similar to those in any other healthcare environment. Our team encourages open discussion regarding the advantages and potential dangers of general anesthesia.
Contact Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry
Choosing the right children’s dental office is crucial to your child’s long-term oral health. At Glen Ellyn kiDDS, we provide compassionate and patient-focused dental care in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Our team will make sure your child feels safe and comfortable during every visit. We are always available to discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry. We want to ensure you’re fully informed about your options and confident in the care your child receives.
If you’re interested in learning more about our pediatric dentistry services, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’re committed to finding the best treatment options to benefit your child; sedation dentistry is just one of the many methods we use to ensure positive dental experiences.
