Visiting the dentist can be scary for young children. They don’t know what to expect, and seeing dental tools and gloved fingers going into their mouths can feel overwhelming. That’s where pediatric sedation dentistry can be a helpful aid in easing fear at the dentist’s office.
Sedation dentistry comes in many forms and an experienced dentist like Dr. David Schlang can use this tool to help calm kids’ nerves before they receive dental care. Treating a child through sedation dentistry requires knowing what is in their best interest. The goal is to make dental care for them feel as easy and painless as possible.
One such technique is to tell a child what procedure they will do, show the child how it is done and then perform the procedure in question. This helps them to see how tools are used and can put them at ease without the need for sedation. Other non-sedation techniques range from holding their hand to placing a warm blanket over them to help them remain motionless.
Sometimes, fear is just too strong and sedation aids in relaxation to prevent possible injuries. The most common form of sedation is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Children breathe through a nosepiece placed on their face. They remain awake the entire time, but their nerves are calmed by the gas.
Other forms of sedation for children can include injections or anesthesia administered during the visit. Parents should consult with doctors before their first visit to find out if there are any risks to their child undergoing these types of dental sedation.