Sedation Dentistry Aspen Hill
Where Anxiety-Free Dental Visits Are Possible
A child expressing anxiety over visiting the dentist’s office is not an uncommon occurrence. Unfortunately, past experiences, bothersome sights and sounds, and even the inability to remain still can make appointments seem impossible. At Healthy Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we aim to address these challenges with a safe and reliable solution – sedation dentistry. Whether it’s nitrous oxide or general anesthesia at a local hospital that your child needs, we’re here to provide it. Just call our office and ask a member of our team how we can ensure a positive dental experience.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Does your child struggle with anxiety, stress, and nerves surrounding their dental visits? If so, you’ll be happy to hear that we can give them a soothing, calming, and comfortable dental experience with nitrous oxide! If you are interested in learning more about this type of dental sedation, including if we recommend it for your little one, then get in touch with our team at Healthy Kids Pediatric Dentistry. You can also read on to learn more.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide (which is commonly referred to as dental laughing gas) is typically recommended for kids who:
- Experience dental-related anxiety
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Need extensive dental care
- Have a fear of needles
With that said, it’s not ideal for everyone. For instance, if your child has a condition that makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nose, like asthma, then nitrous oxide isn’t ideal. That’s why the initial appointment is so important!
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask, which your child will wear while in the treatment chair. Once it’s in place, we will ask them to breathe in through their nose. Within a matter of minutes, they will feel a wave of relaxation wash over them, helping them feel comfortable. Then, we will provide the dental work that their smile needs to thrive. Throughout the process, we will check in with them to ensure that they feel calm and at ease from start to finish.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the best parts of nitrous oxide is that once the gas is turned off and the mask is removed, the effects begin to dissipate. So, your child won’t need to miss the rest of the school day or deal with lingering grogginess. Instead, they will be able to resume their usual routine!
Of course, if your child received a restorative treatment, like a root canal, then there will be certain aftercare instructions that they need to follow. For example, if we restored the look, health, and strength of a decayed tooth with a dental crown, then we may ask them not to chew on that side of their mouth right away.
General Anesthesia at a Local Hospital
When general anesthesia at a local hospital is recommended, you can expect your child to have no recollection of their procedure; instead, they’ll remain unconscious and comfortable. After a thorough evaluation from our team, we’ll likely suggest this method if your child needs extensive dental work or has a physical or intellectual disability. They will be closely monitored by skilled professionals who will administer the medicine and ensure their safety. Once treatment is complete, they will need to spend the remainder of the day at home, getting plenty of rest and following all other post-operative instructions.