Sometimes, options for pain free pediatric dentistry are recommended to help a child relax in a dental chair, and other times, they are necessary for the procedure. In either case, pain free pediatric dentistry can make a dental operation more tolerable for children. This is an ideal technique for children with special needs or those who suffer from dental anxiety.
Sedative techniques enable children to relax or sleep during a dental procedure so they only have pleasant memories of dental visits. The most obvious advantage is that pain free pediatric dentistry enables children to go through treatment that would otherwise be painful. Different methods are available, depending on the pediatric dentist and the child’s medical history.
For children, there are four sedation stages: minimum sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general sedation. The child will be awake and observe everything that happens under minimal sedation, but they will not experience any sensation. The child will be conscious after a mild sedation experience, but they will find it hard to recall the procedure. For deep sedation, the child will have no memory of the treatment.
Sedation can be an ideal choice for children with special needs to help adapt them to the situation. Popular options for sedation include the following.
Nitrous oxide is so widely used that many individuals are unaware that it is a type of sedation dentistry. Sometimes known as laughing gas, it is supplied through a mask worn over the child’s nose for inhalation. Following the procedure, the dentist will turn off the nitrous oxide and allow the child to breathe pure oxygen for a short time. There are no long-term effects.
This type of sedation entails ingesting a tablet. The medication is usually given to the child at the dentist’s office, and the effects kick in after around 20 minutes. In some situations, parents may need to purchase the medication from the pharmacist so the child can take it right before their appointment. The tablet helps with dental anxiety.
A child can get sedation medication intravenously, which is ideal for lengthier treatments because the dentist can administer additional doses as required. The effect is felt almost immediately, unlike with oral sedation.
Anxiety about visiting the dentist often stems from a phobia of needles, rooted in an underlying fear of pain. Patients who suffer from dental anxiety may have a full-blown panic attack at the thought of having an injection alone. Topical anesthetics are often used in pain free dentistry to lessen the unpleasantness of an injection.
Extremely thin needles are used in the dental profession to help patients overcome their fear of injections. Due to their tiny size, these injections are often less painful than many others. The child may feel just a mild sensation when the injected chemical makes its way into the tissues. Children are less likely to be anxious about seeing the dentist if they do not fear the injections.
Many Americans suffer from dental anxiety, with most attributing it to a traumatic event in their formative years. It is difficult for pediatric dentists to do high-precision operations on extremely young children because they cannot sit still for long enough. Children and adults can both benefit from pain free dentistry because it makes the experience more comfortable and significantly lowers the likelihood of harm.
Some kids have trouble calming down at the dentist. Pain free options enable them to feel more at ease throughout the therapy, improving their outlook on treatment. This option also helps children who have special needs because it can curb impulsive actions and ensure considerate interactions. If a child has avoided the dentist because of the fear of pain, pain free dentistry may help.
Sedation dentistry not only has the advantage of preventing a child from becoming a fearful adult, but it also makes dental operations more successful. If the child is not too fidgety, the dentist will have a higher chance of successfully completing the procedure in a single visit. Since sedation can leave children with little to no recollection of the process, the odds of a child having a traumatic treatment or visit are significantly reduced.
Giving a child dental care at a young age is critical, and as parents, you want them to have proper dental care throughout their lives. Pain free pediatric dentistry is effective because it makes the appointment go more smoothly and prevents the patient from developing a fearful mindset about dental offices.
Request an appointment here: https://nettsmiles.com or call Nett Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics at (623) 759-7658 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pain Free Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ.
Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral problems that occur in children. Many dental issues in kids are similar to those that occur in adults. Without proper treatment, dental problems can progress to misaligned teeth and poor oral health. If you want to maintain your child’s dental health, here are the common dental issues that pediatric…
In their early years, your youngster is still a novice in brushing and flossing their teeth, meaning that cleaning your child's teeth in that period is your responsibility. Cleaning the teeth is a skill that the child should learn. Your role is to educate your youngster on how to keep their mouths clean and healthy.…
When does my child need pediatric dentistry? This is a question that many parents often ask. The answer may vary depending on the opinion of the pediatric dentist. However, most pediatric dentists believe that a child should go to pediatric dentistry by their first birthday.A child needs to get used to the dentist at an…
A key goal of pediatric dentistry is establishing healthy oral hygiene habits early to promote long-term oral health. With guidance from a pediatric dentist, parents can help their children understand how to maintain clean and healthy teeth at home. This early exposure can make healthy habits — like brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and eating…
Dental sealants are one of the most powerful preventive care treatments for kids. Because children are especially vulnerable to cavities, parents need all the help they can get to help their kids fight tooth decay. Through this simple and pain-free procedure, your child can get powerful and long-lasting cavity protection on some of their most…