The fact is even adults feel anxious when trying something they have never tried before, like dental sedation. Children are no different, and they tend to feel nervous on the first visit to the dentist. For some children, this dental anxiety continues throughout childhood, and it may be worse for more invasive procedures. In this case, dental sedation can help alleviate anxiety during procedures.
This review discusses dental sedation to help alleviate dental anxiety in pediatric dentistry, highlighting what children’s dental anxiety is exactly, how sedation is used in pediatric dentistry, and when it might be recommended.
Children’s dental anxiety is an often irrational fear of visiting the pediatric dentist in younger patients. The cause of dental anxiety is different for every child. Common causes include a fear of being judged, fear of pain during procedures, or simply a child that is less comfortable and shy around people they do not know as well. Children’s dental anxiety is usually minor, but it can worsen into a dental phobia or linger into the child’s teenage and adult years if not dealt with at an early age.
Dental sedation, also called sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry, is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different types of sedation used in a pediatric dentist's office, which are nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. For pediatric dentists, in particular, nitrous oxide (which is also called “laughing gas”) is preferred as it is safer and not as scary for children with dental anxiety.
Of course, more invasive procedures such as tooth extraction or baby root canal require the use of sedation to help the child feel comfortable during treatment. However, for children with dental anxiety, dental sedation may also be recommended for less invasive procedures as well so that they can feel calm and comfortable during the procedure.
Sedation in pediatric dentistry is safe for children when provided by a dental professional. There are some risks associated with sedation, although side effects are rare and typically mild and short-lived when they do occur.
Each type of sedation is administered differently. As mentioned, nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation for children. This involves wearing a dental mask that released nitrous oxide, which produces a calming sensation for the child and may even give them an urge to laugh or feel funny (hence the name).
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Mineola, NY
Here at our pediatric dental practice, we pride ourselves on creating a fun and welcoming environment for children that helps minimize anxiety. We also offer sedation dentistry as well. To learn more and schedule a visit with our dental team, give us a call at a time that is convenient for you.
Request an appointment or call Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry at 516-243-1364 for an appointment in our Mineola office.
An effective preventative treatment in pediatric-dentistry is the placement of dental sealants. While the procedure can be done for patients of all ages, it is more often used for children between the ages of 6 and 14, when their permanent teeth are coming in. Even though it is optional, the American Dental Association recommends it…
Though rewarding, parenting is often difficult. One of the most difficult aspects of parenting that you will encounter early in your child’s life is teething. Fortunately, a pediatric dentistry professional can help you understand what to expect and, more importantly, give you advice on how to ease your child’s pain during this challenging time in…
A pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay. Early dental checkups will enable the dentist to provide treatments that can make this possible. Your dentist can guide you and your child on how to keep teeth and gums healthy. Here are some effective tips on how to prevent childhood tooth decay straight from a pediatric…