Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics offers pediatric sedation services at our locations throughout the Northern California area. Pediatric sedation dentistry involves using safe sedatives to keep children relaxed during dental procedures.
Pediatric Sedation Options at Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics
We care about making every patient’s experience at our office as stress-free as possible. However, we understand that kids can sometimes get very scared and need extra help getting through their visit.
Pediatric sedation is an option if a child has dental anxiety. It’s also given if a young patient needs to undergo a lengthy or complex procedure, scan or test. Besides providing them with a good experience, pediatric sedation dentistry also helps ensure accurate test results and positive outcomes. This is because it keeps the patient still for procedures that require no movement.
Our team is highly trained and experienced in this field. We follow pediatric sedation guidelines and best practices, and we offer only sedation options that are proven safe for children.
Before administering dental sedatives, we consider the patient’s complete medical history, including any medications they are currently taking. We also consider other factors to ensure the appropriate pediatric sedation dosage for each patient.
The following are some common types of sedatives used in dental procedures:
Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a preferred sedative in dentistry because it is safe and works quickly. It is combined with oxygen and inhaled through a mask to keep the patient calm and relaxed during a procedure, such as a tooth extraction. Your child will remain awake throughout the procedure and can communicate with you and their dentist.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
With this type of sedation, a sedative is administered to your child via a needle to help them relax. For this reason, it’s important that they’re not afraid of needles. With IV sedation, your child will be less aware of their surroundings and the dental work being done, but they will not be fully asleep.
Preparing Your Child Before Sedation
Before your child’s appointment, please inform us of any medication they are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. Also, avoid giving your little one solid food before the procedure, and make sure they’re dressed in comfortable clothes. You may also want to bring their favorite toy, such as a plushie, to keep them company and help them feel less anxious.
What to Expect After Pediatric Sedation
After the procedure, your child will likely feel groggy, clumsy and disoriented. If your child starts giggling in the car ride home, don’t worry! This is a normal side effect of sedation. Your dentist will provide more information on what to expect after sedation and aftercare instructions based on pediatric sedation guidelines to promote healing and recovery.
Other Things You Can Do to Reassure Kids With Dental Anxiety
It’s normal for kids to be a little worried about dental visits, especially if it’s their first time or if they have a complicated procedure scheduled. Parents and loved ones can help reassure them by:
- Sharing stories of their own positive experiences at the dentist
- Sitting down with them to explain what will happen at their appointment
- Watching videos of other kids having positive experiences at the dentist
At Kids Care, we also work hard to make our clinics a happy, welcoming and relaxing place for our patients. Our offices are full of fun touches, like TVs in our treatment rooms and video games in our waiting rooms. What’s more, our open bays allow parents to sit with their kids during their procedures to help them feel less nervous and stressed.
Kid-Friendly Dental Practice Serving California
Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics is a full-service pediatric dental and orthodontic care provider for patients aged six months and onwards. Our services include:
- Preventative care
- Regular dental visits/checkups
- Orthodontics (Invisalign and Invisalign Lite)
- Oral surgery
We are dedicated to ensuring a lifetime of happy smiles and instilling healthy dental habits in our young patients. Our team believes in providing fun, not fear, so we work hard to make every visit to our offices a happy one! To book an appointment, please give us a call at 844.616.5437.