Has fear kept you away from the dentist?

A new and unpredictable situation can be a negative stimulus for a child. As an office specializing in pediatric dentistry as well, we have extra training and considerable experience in providing treatment to children and adolescents with a wide range of concerns, anxieties, conditions and needs. It is our intent to educate, support, and create a positive stimulus for our patients so that they are encouraged to return. Our goal is not to complete treatment at any cost but to help your child become comfortable with dental care. Because each and every child is an individual, it is important that we are able to openly communicate with you about your child (his or her personality, experiences, background, etc.) so that the treatment approach with the best possibility for success is pursued.

Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe and effective technique to use for treating children's dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, and with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive.

It is important to note that in contrast to general anesthesia, Nitrous Oxide does not "put patients to sleep". While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.

Nitrous Oxide facilitates treatment through a variety of ways:

•Decreases anxiety; promotes relaxation.

•Reduces the gag reflex and sensitivities to tastes and smells.

•Raises pain threshold; procedures will not feel as sensitive.

•Thoughts, attention, and focus may become distant reducing nervousness and anxiety. 

Oral sedation 

Children who are uncooperative, particularly anxious, or unable to control their muscles for prolonged periods, may be offered an oral sedative as well.  Oral sedatives come in many different forms (usually tablets, pills, and liquids), and may make the child feel drowsy.  If oral sedatives are to be used, the pediatric dentist may require parents to prepare the child before the appointment.  Some common preparatory measures may include: limiting food and fluid intake prior to the appointment and having the child wear comfortable clothing to the appointment. 

You can benefit from sedation dentistry if you experience one or more of the following:

•High fear of dental care 

•Complex dental problems 

•Previous Traumatic dental experiences 

•Fear of needles and shots 

•Trouble getting numb 

•Sensitive teeth 

•Special Needs