Sedation Options for Children

There are differing opinions about using sedation in children’s dental treatments. In our office, we believe that removing the fear and showing a child that a visit to the dentist is not a frightful and painful experience will help build a lifetime of proper oral care. We always use the minimal amount of sedation on all of our patients and, we would never go against a parent’s wishes regarding pediatric sedation.
Here are a few different kinds of sedation that we use in our office.

• Nitrous oxide- Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide offers light sedation and an anesthetic effect. It comes to the patient mixed with oxygen via a mask which fits over the nose. Because patients inhale nitrous oxide, it is easy for our dentist to control. There are no long-lasting effects, and patients do not spend an extended period in a sleepy and groggy state because nitrous oxide wears off soon after the gas flow stops.

• Oral Sedation- This form of sedation gives patients a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide. Our dentist gives patients a pill to calm any anxiety, before the dental procedure. The effects are longer lasting than nitrous oxide, and your child will wake up groggy. Because of the lasting effects of oral sedation, we recommend that your child go home to rest after the dental treatment and not return to school.

• Intravenous(IV) Sedation- Our dentist reserves this sedation for extended procedures or oral surgery, and it is highly unlikely that this would be the first choice in pediatric sedation. IV sedation enters the patient through a vein and has a longer lasting effect that other sedation methods. Because IV sedation typically accompanies complex dental treatments, your child should not return to school or engage in strenuous activities for 24-48 hours after the dental procedure.

There are some situations where pediatric sedation takes the angst out of a dental visit. For instance, if your child has high anxiety that a dental visit would intensify, a light sedative will temper the stress and allow for a positive experience. Also, if your child has cerebral palsy, autism, or Tourette’s syndrome, our East LA Dentist may suggest sedation.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric sedation, do not hesitate to contact our office. Our staff is happy to get you the information you need.

How Soon Should Children See a Dentist?

If you’re a new parent, you may be wondering how soon is too soon for your child’s first dentist appointment? Navigating through this part of early childhood can be quite daunting, but rest assured that our certified children’s dentist in North Hollywood has all the answers you seek for your growing family.

Even though they may not show it, your baby was born with a set of partly-formed baby teeth hidden in their gums. You’ll first see them grow in after they begin teething.  The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child in for their first appointment no more than six months after the eruption of their first visible tooth, ideally before they turn one year old. While it may seem very strange to take your child in so early, it is imperative to start protecting their enamel under the watchful eye of a professional as soon as possible, even for their temporary baby teeth, as cavities can begin to develop as soon as the tooth has emerged and is readily visible.

You will be asked about the developmental milestones your child has achieved so far, including any negative habits they may have picked up such as thumb-sucking or being reliant on a pacifier. Your child’s mouth will be examined thoroughly, and usually you will be able to sit right by their side. After checking for any type of injury, disease, or decay, a professional cleaning will be administered and you will be given more information on how to properly take care of your child’s growing mouth.

If necessary, you will be given recommendations for any additional products and/or tools that may be necessary to keep your child’s teeth in good health; this can include things like fluoride treatments, or special brushes to target any problem areas that may be apparent. Our dentist may suggest something called a dental sealant, used to protect the hidden crevasses of the molars from cavities in these early years. There is also the option of dental crowns, which can be used to protect a badly decayed or damaged tooth.

Dental Treatments for Children

Dental care for children is similar to treatment for adults in many ways. However, certain procedures may offer extra benefits to patients during childhood, when the teeth and gums undergo rapid growth. Here are some of the treatments children may receive depending on their oral health and risk factors.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is valued for its beneficial effects on teeth. Although fluoride is commonly added to tap water supplies and toothpastes, some patients benefit from extra fluoride. In addition to applying fluoride in our dental office, our dentist may prescribe products with the mineral for convenient use at home.

Sealants

Sealants are clear plastic varnishes painted over teeth to form a barrier against cavities. Often used in vulnerable areas, such as crevices, sealants can last for years before re-application becomes necessary. Having sealants applied can also save patients money by reducing their risks of needing fillings or other restorations later.

Like adults, children may need a variety of restorations, such as fillings. Our dentist offers restorations in tooth-colored versions for a smile-friendly result. Dental sedation is also available for eligible children with anxiety, movement disorders, or other needs. At a consultation with our dentist for children in Houston parents can learn more about treatments that kids can receive at our office.