Many children feel nervous or anxious when visiting the dentist. At University Pediatric Dentistry, we provide sedation dentistry to help children relax and feel more comfortable during their treatment. Our pediatric dentist and team offer several sedation options and will work with you to determine which type of sedation is best suited for your child’s needs. Call us at 704-688-1664 to learn more about sedation dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, and schedule an appointment with Dr. M. Danielle Funny.
Understanding Pain-Free Dentistry With Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful choice for patients who feel anxious about their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative medication to help your child feel more relaxed and calmer during their treatment. At our office, we offer several types of sedation dentistry to meet your child’s individual needs:
- Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, is mixed with oxygen and inhaled during your child’s treatment to help them feel more relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off within just a few minutes after we stop the flow of gas. The goal is for your child to feel very relaxed and tolerate things that may be uncomfortable.
- In-office general anesthesia involves the use of controlled medication to place a child in a deep sleep, ensuring they are fully unconscious and unaware during the dental procedure. This type of anesthesia is typically recommended for children with severe anxiety, special healthcare needs or those requiring extensive dental work that cannot be easily completed under local anesthesia or sedation. It is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist who monitors the child’s vital signs closely throughout the procedure, ensuring safety and comfort. The use of general anesthesia allows our pediatric dentist and team to perform multiple treatments in a single visit, minimizing the number of appointments and reducing the emotional and physical stress on the child. This approach can help children who may otherwise struggle with dental care feel more comfortable and secure, promoting positive long-term dental health.
- Out-patient hospital visits are another option where the child is put to sleep. Dr. Funny may recommend a hospital visit for children with special needs or who have pre-existing medical conditions making the hospital the preferred facility for treatment.
Know that each member of our team is highly trained to ensure your child’s safety while in our care. Depending on the sedation option proposed, we may require a second responsible adult come with you to the appointment to help you take care of your child while driving home.
Schedule Your Child’s Appointment
If your child suffers from dental anxiety, has had negative experiences at the dentist in the past or simply feels nervous about their treatment, our sedation options can help you and your child feel more at ease. Also, note that sedation dentistry is sometimes a good choice for patients who have difficulty getting numb or who have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
For more information on sedation dentistry and how it can make your child’s dental experience more pleasant, we welcome you to contact us today.