Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for Dr. Roger to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for children with special needs. There are many safe and effective drugs available today that can help relax your child and promote a good environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide (N2O), oral sedation, and IV sedation are highly effective options for mildly apprehensive patients. Outpatient surgery is sometimes necessary for children/patients who are unable, by either age or anxiety level, to cooperate during dental treatment. This is an alternative when other forms of sedation are not an option. Our practice utilizes an anesthesiologist, Dr. Lowry Schaub, for in-office IV sedation cases. IV sedation is necessary when the patient may not be able to cooperate or when the amount or nature of treatment needed is excessive. All of these options will be discussed with the parents/guardians of the patient before treatment to ensure the optimum beneficial outcome.
Sedation dentistry is most helpful for:
- Infants
- Children who require major treatment
- A very anxious child
- Children who have had traumatic dental experiences including sound and smell aversion
- Children with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who are medically compromised or who are mentally handicapped
Pain Control
Dr. Roger makes every effort to administer local anesthetics in a slow, gentle and comfortable manner, thus eliminating the pain that may accompany dental treatment. The duration of numbness after treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on which drug was used. Generally, the numbness wears off after 2 to 3 hours. Parents must be careful to watch their child for chewing or biting of inner cheeks, lips or tongue while numb, as they may become injured. Please be aware that we do not use the word "shot" at Double T Smiles. We choose another term for an injection: "bubble!"
