Options For An Anxious Patient

Dental fears are common, especially in young children. Additionally, some children with special healthcare needs may be prone to anxiety or have sensory disorders that cause regular dental care to be a very challenging experience for them. For these patients, sedation dentistry can be the key to helping them get the care they need for strong, healthy teeth.

Our office is designed to cater to kids and their unique needs, and we have everything we need to provide a safe and comfortable experience for your child. Whether a little nitrous oxide is needed to make an extraction more comfortable, your child has fears that require sedation using oral medication, or your child’s needs or care require general anesthesia

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is widely used in pediatric dental offices with children receiving dental care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this as a very safe, effective technique to use for helping children tolerate dental care. It is ideal for use in our office because it is very safe, begins to work rapidly, and is quickly eliminated from the body. Children are not put to sleep when breathing nitrous oxide, but are fully conscious and keep all natural reflexes.

Please note that nitrous oxide is intended to decrease anxiety. As such, it is not always effective in extremely anxious/fearful children. Dr. Perry will discuss all options with you to help you decide which is most appropriate for your child.

Oral sedation is helpful for children who need a slightly deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide can provide. This is effective for kids who have moderate anxiety or sensory processing disorders since this type of sedation will help dull sensations and actually cause them to not remember much, if any of the appointment. Oral sedation is also helpful for more complex procedures and restorative dental care. During oral sedation, your child will still be awake, but in a groggy, relaxed state.

Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children,children with extensive decay, and children with special needs that would not tolerate treatment using traditional methods. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed or ear tubes placed. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment under general anesthesia.