Does your child feel anxious or uneasy about visiting their family dentist? Fortunately, they don’t have to go through their entire appointment with this nervousness or fear. Children’s sedation dentistry in Mt. Pleasant can help provide them with a sense of relaxation and peace while they’re having their teeth cleaned or a filling placed. Read on to learn more about how sedation works and whether it’s safe for young patients.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide is one of the most common methods of dental sedation, as the effects don’t linger. This allows patients to be able to go to their appointment, receive the sedation, and return to their daily routine directly afterwards.
When your child arrives at their family dentist’s office, they’ll have a small nose mask placed on them that will allow them to breathe in a mixture of nitrous gas and oxygen. The effects will kick-in nearly immediately, allowing them to remain conscious during their visit while also relaxed. Once the treatment is over, they’ll then breathe oxygen to help flush the effects of the sedation from their system so they can carry on with the remainder of their day.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide sedation is typically ideal for children who:
- Experience mild to moderate dental anxiety or fear.
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes dental cleanings uncomfortable or difficult to sit through.
- Are undergoing lengthy or more complex procedures.
While many children are good candidates for nitrous oxide, it typically isn’t recommended for those with respiratory issues or are unable to breathe through their nose properly. This is because it’s administered through the nose.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Children?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes that, when the patient is properly screened and the sedation is used appropriately, dental sedation like nitrous oxide can be an excellent resource. It not only can allow children to have a more positive overall experience, but it can also reduce fear or nervousness in the future in doing so.
Additionally, nitrous oxide sedation is one of the safest methods for children, as it’s the mildest sedative. During their appointment, they’ll also be monitored by trained professionals who can adjust the amount of nitrous oxide and oxygen they’re receiving in real-time to make sure they have a comfortable experience throughout.
A qualified and professional dentist will understand your concern as a parent, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions or voice concerns you may have during your visit about your child receiving nitrous oxide sedation. They can help put your worries to rest by providing you with the facts and helping you better understand the procedure and safety standards in place to make sure your child’s experience is wonderful.
About the Practice
Our team is led by two highly experienced family dentists, Drs. Siddiqui and Chanana. With years of collective training and hands-on experience under their belt, they are dedicated to providing their patients with top-notch, comfortable dental care. This is especially the case for children, as they often feel nervous or hesitant about visiting the dentist. With a goal of helping all of their patients feel at-home and relaxed in the treatment chair, they are trained to offer nitrous oxide sedation. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry’s website or call 262-672-2393.