Sedation Dentistry for Kids – Nashua, NH
Ensuring Little Smiles Stay Calm & Comfortable
We know that the dentist’s office isn’t exactly most kids’ favorite place to visit. But if your son or daughter struggles with nervousness, anxiety, or even fear when they have an appointment coming up, it could point to a serious problem. At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our experienced team members do their best to create an accommodating, soothing atmosphere for even the youngest patients. However, we understand that this alone might not be enough for some children. For this reason, we offer sedation options to help them relax in the dentist’s chair. Call us today to learn more about how sedation dentistry for kids in our Nashua, NH dental office can help your little one!
Why Choose Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Sedation Dentistry for Kids?
- Highly Qualified, Experienced Pediatric Dentists
- We Welcome Children of All Ages
- Relaxing, Comfortable Dental Office Atmosphere
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Chances are you’ve heard of nitrous oxide by its nickname: laughing gas! This mild sedative is safe, fast-acting, and effective, making it perfect for patients of all ages. If your child experiences dental anxiety or needs extensive dental work, then don’t hesitate to ask our team about this calming solution. You’re also welcome to learn more about it by reading on.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Countless studies have concluded that nitrous oxide is incredibly safe for patients of all ages, including children. Most often, it’s recommended for patients who:
- Experience dental-related anxiety
- Have a fear of needles
- Cannot control their movements
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have difficulty becoming numb
Of course, there are some exceptions, including those who have trouble breathing through their nose. Don’t worry – we will review all of the factors that influence candidacy during your child’s appointment, and we will learn all about their medical history, allergies, and dental needs in the process. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child will be safe and comfortable in the treatment chair.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Once your child gets settled in the dental chair, we’ll place a comfortable mask over their nose. Within minutes of inhaling this odorless, colorless gas, they’ll feel leaps and bounds calmer while remaining aware of their surroundings. During their procedure, they’ll be able to answer our questions, respond to our requests, and let us know how they’re feeling. At the end of their treatment, we will turn off the nitrous oxide, and the effects will begin to dissipate almost instantly.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
As a parent, you’ll be pleased to know that nitrous oxide wears off very quickly after treatment. That means that your child can return to school once they’re done at our dental office! We will provide you with aftercare instructions at this time, including having your child wait to eat until the numbing agents wear off and rinsing their mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water to prevent infection. As always, our Nashua pediatric dental team is here to answer any questions you have even after you leave our office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Children with more moderate levels of dental anxiety might benefit from oral conscious sedation. This sedative is administered via a pill that is taken at a set time before the appointment is scheduled to begin. You can expect your child to achieve a deep level of relaxation that streamlines and simplifies dental care drastically. While the sedative does not normally put your child to sleep, it will make the memory of their appointment and treatment fuzzier, which further alleviates anxiety.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves your child taking a prescribed pill before your appointment, allowing an ample amount of time for the effects to set in. It’s capable of easing nerves and reducing the fear that younger or even older children experience concerning dental treatment. Better yet, it benefits the dental staff too, since they generally have an easier time performing treatment on sedated patients! It’s also worth mentioning that many children tend to prefer oral conscious sedation compared to nitrous oxide since it doesn’t involve the use of a nasal mask, and it also is entirely noninvasive.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Your child will probably feel a little sleepy after taking the pill, and they might doze off a little bit, but they’ll still be able to respond and can easily be stirred. Whether they’re seeing us for a simple checkup and cleaning, or something a little more complex, you can rest assured that by the time they’re seated in the treatment chair, they’ll feel totally at ease and ready for their appointment. Our team will monitor your child throughout their treatment and after a few hours, they should feel totally back to normal with no lasting effects whatsoever.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
It’s fairly simple to determine if your child is a good candidate for oral conscious sedation, but you’ll need to bring them in to meet with our team. We’ll also need to review their medical history to ensure that they can safely be administered the sedative pill. Most children can receive this sedation option without any issues. If your child exhibits any of the following, they’re likely a good candidate for oral conscious sedation:
- Moderate dental fear or anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex
- The inability to sit still for extended periods
- Previous dental trauma or bad experiences that make undergoing treatment difficult
- Multiple or complex procedures are being performed
- Any other complications that might make dental treatment more difficult to complete