We all know that good oral health is essential for proper development. We teach our kids how to brush and even floss at a young age because we know even though they won’t have these teeth forever, issues can still arise.
When Is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
Seeing the dentist is such a new experience for our young patients, and this can be a source of fear and anxiety. Think about it… as adults, we go in for a cleaning and check-up every six months and many of us still get nervous for that appointment. Think about how scary it must be for little ones who don’t quite know what to expect or what all those tools and machines are for!
This is why pediatric sedation dentistry is so valuable. At Journey Kids Dental, we want to help our patients get past their fears about coming in for a procedure. We want to make sure both parents and kiddos feel comfortable, and we also want to ensure our team can do what we need to do to fix whatever’s going on so life can go back to normal.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide — sometimes referred to as “happy gas” — is a completely safe and effective mild sedation technique that we use to help kids get through a challenging procedure or check-up. This is one of the most common agents used in pediatric sedation dentistry because it’s non-invasive (no needles!) and there are no lingering side effects associated with nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide is safely administered via a nasal mask. We ask the child to breathe normally, which causes the gas to pass through the lungs. It won’t put your child to sleep; they’ll still be able to hear us and respond to any requests we may have for them. When the procedure is finished, we’ll simply remove the mask and the effects will start wearing off almost instantly.
General Anesthesia
In certain cases, we may want to utilize general anesthesia to put someone “under” for the duration of their treatment. This is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates the ability for the patient to move during a procedure. They won’t be aware of what’s happening and they won’t feel any discomfort, either.
We may suggest this option for some of our patients with special needs, for children who need extensive work done in a single appointment, or for little ones who have extreme fears (to the point where they are unable to cooperate during their appointment). Dr. Olivera has hospital privileges at Broward Health Medical Center, which is where we would perform any procedure that requires general anesthesia.
What sets us apart is the fact that we truly believe in treating children like they’re our own. We create a nurturing and safe environment, instilling confidence and a positive dental experience for years and years to come.
Journey Kids Dental is a kid-friendly practice that relies on both modern technology and the kindest staff in the area! We want to make sure your kids enjoy their time with us and feel inspired to keep their teeth healthy. Our relaxed atmosphere and sedation options mean your family will get taken care of in the best way possible. If you’re looking for pediatric sedation dentistry in Fort Lauderdale, contact us by calling 954-727-9865 or you can simply click here!
