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The dentist doesn’t have to be a thing to fear — but for many children, opening wide for a checkup and cleaning is pretty scary stuff. If your little one quakes at the thought of having their teeth looked at or (gasp) worked on by a stranger, there is help available from a sedation dentist in Dallas. This is a completely safe practice that parents can trust to help their little ones enjoy cleaner, healthier smiles. Keep reading to find out just how sedation dentistry works, and how it can help your child relax in the dental chair.

Common Sedation Options for Children

As a parent, you know there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any child. The same is true when it comes to helping them feel comfortable at the dentist’s office. For some, a warm smile and friendly approach may be enough. For kids with significant nerves or fear, though, a stronger solution may be in order.

There are two common sedation options for children. These solutions have been thoroughly tested and are completely safe when administered by a professional. They include:

• Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas: A lighter form of sedation, your child breathes the medication in through a small nasal mask throughout the duration of the appointment. Once the procedure or treatment is complete, the mask is removed and the effects wear off quickly.
• General anesthesia: This is reserved for the most complex treatments or for children with significant barriers to receiving dental care. A complete medical and health history evaluation will be completed prior to administering this type of sedation, and your child’s dentist and team will keep an eye on their heart rate and other vital signs throughout the duration of the procedure.

Whether your child is better suited for nitrous oxide or general anesthesia, safety and comfort will always be the primary concern of the dentist. You can also relax knowing your child is in good hands while under sedation!

What to Expect After Sedation

Once your child’s procedure is complete, they are free to leave with you as soon as they feel ready. Because the effects from nitrous oxide wear off quickly, it is totally possible to return to school right after their appointment. For a procedure performed with general anesthesia, plan to let your child rest and relax for the rest of the day.

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists

A board-certified pediatric dentist who is trained in sedation dentistry is the best choice for children who need this type of treatment. This is someone who has undergone a significant amount of special training to ensure that sedation is administered safely and effectively. If you are interested in finding out how sedation dentistry can help your child relax at the dentist’s, don’t hesitate to locate a board-certified pediatric dentist in Dallas offering this service. Your child will thank you for it!

Meet the Practice

The team at Children’s Dental & Orthodontics offers comprehensive dental services for the favorite smile(s) in your family. If you are interested in learning about sedation dentistry from a gentle and experienced pediatric dentist, you are invited to call the dentist for kids in Dallas at 469-331-5645.