Pediatric Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients
Dental patients, irrespective of age, occasionally require sedation during specific dental procedures. For young children and those with special needs, sedation can be an essential tool to ensure a comfortable dental appointment. At Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, our primary goal is to create a positive dental experience for every patient.
If your child is highly anxious during dental appointments, requires an extensive procedure, or is unable to sit still for long periods, dental sedation can help. Continue reading to learn more from an experienced sedation dentist in Orland Park, IL.
Is Sedation Dentistry Suitable for Your Child?
Our pediatric dentist in Orland Park evaluates the need for sedation based on each individual patient. The following are examples of those who may benefit from sedation dentistry:
- Patients who are highly anxious or fearful of the dentist
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Patients requiring intensive dental care
- Patients who have had unfavorable dental experiences in the past
- Patients disturbed by the sounds, sensations, or odors of dental procedures
- Patients who are afraid of needles
- Patients who struggle to sit still during dental procedures
If you think your child may require dental sedation to receive proper dental care, contact Chicago KiDDS to schedule an appointment. Our team will discuss the options with you and offer our recommendations for how best to care for your child’s oral health.
Sedation Options at Chicago KiDDS
At Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we offer both nitrous oxide and general anesthesia to patients. Below you will read about the major differences between these two options.
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen (Laughing Gas)
Recognized as one of the safest pain relievers used in sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide/oxygen is typically suggested for patients troubled by anxiety or fear during dental procedures. It may also be used for patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen must be inhaled by the patient to be administered. It’s crucial for patients to breathe through their nose to ensure effectiveness. Patients do not fall asleep, but rather stay conscious and are simply less aware of their surroundings. The effects wear off shortly after the procedure ends.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia puts the patient into a medically induced sleep. This is often used for extensive dental treatments or when a patient simply can’t endure a long procedure.
With general anesthesia the patient remains asleep during the procedure. This means they’re unresponsive to stimuli and completely unaware of the ongoing treatment. Parents must note that the risks associated with general anesthesia at our office are similar to those in any medical environment. Our experienced dental team is always available to discuss the advantages and potential risks of this level of sedation.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry comes with many benefits. Some of these include:
- Ensures a calm, stress-free dental experience
- Alleviates anxiety
- Minimizes pain
- Allows for more efficient treatment and faster dental appointments
- Promotes a positive association with dental visits
Some examples of procedures we might recommend sedation dentistry for include tooth extractions, root canals, cavity fillings, and emergency dental care.
Orland Park Sedation Dentistry at Chicago KiDDS
At Chicago KiDDS Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the concerns parents have regarding their children’s oral health and comfort. That’s why we make sure to never compromise either. With sedation dentistry and a highly trained staff and dental team, we always aim to help each patient feel as comfortable as possible when they visit our dental office.
If you’re searching for a friendly, reliable pediatric dentist near Orland Park, IL, contact us online or call (708) 448-6700 to schedule an appointment.
