When Is a Pulpotomy Necessary?
If your child has a cavity that’s reached past the outer part of the tooth, they may need a pulpotomy, also called a “baby root canal.” Learn when to consider the procedure and what it involves.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
As a parent, of course you want to make sure your child is safe and protected at all times, so it’s normal to have questions about sedation.
At Kids Dental Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland, our caring pediatric dentist Dr. Bosede Adeniji and kid-centric team are here to help your child feel safe while allaying your fears about sedation dentistry. Here’s what you need to know about sedation dentistry safety:
Understanding sedation dentistry
We often hear from parents who are worried about whether sedation dentistry is safe for their child. The good news is that when administered by experienced professionals like Dr. Adeniji, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help children receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort.
Sedation dentistry uses a variety of medications to help children relax and eliminate pain during dental procedures. It’s particularly helpful for children who have dental phobia, special needs, or require extensive dental work.
Our approach at Kids Dental Center goes beyond just administering medication; we also use gentle dentistry techniques that make the entire experience more comfortable for your child.
We take the time to create a child-friendly environment and talk with your child on their own level to better understand and alleviate their fears. Dr. Adeniji also takes the time to explain the procedure in simple terms to help set children further at ease.
Types of sedation dentistry
We offer two main types of sedation dentistry, including:
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is the mildest option and the most common in children’s dentistry. With this option, children breathe in an odorless and colorless gas mixed with oxygen. It helps them relax, and many kids get a little giggly or silly.
Your child won’t fall asleep with nitrous oxide, and they can communicate with Dr. Adeniji throughout the procedure. Combined with a local anesthetic to numb pain, it’s a safe and effective choice for kids of all ages.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation uses oral medications to help your child relax. Dr. Adeniji closely supervises all medication use and only prescribes exactly the amount your child needs to have a comfortable experience.
Like nitrous oxide, oral medication works alongside a local anesthetic to keep your child relaxed and pain-free. Generally, oral sedation is for children 12 years and older.
In rare situations, children may need deep sedation, which involves intravenous (IV) medication. If your child requires this type of sedation, Dr. Adeniji and an anesthesiology specialist monitor your child throughout the procedure.
Addressing your safety concerns
We understand that your child’s safety means everything. That’s why Dr. Adeniji and our team are thoroughly trained and experienced in pediatric sedation dentistry. We go the extra mile to ensure every pediatric sedation procedure is as safe as possible.
We monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the process and are prepared to manage any potential side effects. Dr. Adeniji works closely with you to develop a sedation plan that considers your child’s unique needs so they can get the safest treatment possible.
Our team is happy to discuss safety with you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. We find it helps many of our parents feel better when they learn that the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) support sedation dentistry in children.
We closely follow AAP guidelines to ensure your child’s safety at every point in the dental care process.
If your child has dental anxiety or special needs or requires extensive dental work, sedation dentistry might be the best way to help them get the treatment they need without distress.
To learn more about sedation dentistry or to discuss your child’s specific needs, call our Greenbelt, Maryland, office at 301-345-2881 or contact us online today.
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