If your child is afraid of seeing the dentist, they’re not alone. Lots of kids are nervous, anxious, and scared of dental visits. But Dr. Lindsey is here to help with dental sedation and no drill, no shot treatment at Limestone Pediatric Dentistry. Contact us now to schedule an appointment in Athens.
Dental sedation involves using anti-anxiety and sedative medications to keep patients safe and comfortable during dental treatments. It’s used for patients of all ages, but dental sedation is particularly common for kids who are nervous about dentistry, and for special needs patients.
Sedation helps your child have a positive experience at the dentist with less fear and anxiety. They won’t need to feel nervous or anxious about dental tools, restorative treatments, and other things that commonly cause fear and anxiety in kids. This helps Dr. Lindsey deliver fast, efficient, and high-quality care at Limestone Pediatric Dentistry.
If you’d like your child to be sedated, Dr. Lindsey will need to discuss their health history, medications, and supplements, along with any existing medical issues to ensure sedation is a good option for your child.
Depending on the type of sedation your child receives, they'll either wear a nose mask for minimal sedation with laughing gas in our office or be sedated with an IV in a hospital setting. Once their treatment is over, Dr. Lindsey will send you and your child home with recovery instructions.
Sedation lets your kids feel safe, calm, and comfortable during any dental treatment. Contact us now to book a consultation with Dr. Lindsey in Athens right away.
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation uses a comfortable nose mask to send a stream of nitrous oxide and oxygen into your child’s lungs. As they breathe in, it will take effect almost instantly, making them feel calm, relaxed, and safe during their treatment at our Athens practice.
When the treatment is over, Dr. Lindsey will send pure oxygen through the mask to remove any laughing gas that remains in their lungs and bloodstream. Your child will be back to normal in just a few minutes, though they may experience some minor side effects like nausea, confusion, dizziness, and headache.
When the treatment is over, Dr. Lindsey will send pure oxygen through the mask to remove any laughing gas that remains in their lungs and bloodstream. Your child will be back to normal in just a few minutes, though they may experience some minor side effects like nausea, confusion, dizziness, and headache.
Nitrous oxide is the best choice for most kids, though IV sedation can be used for very anxious kids or kids with special needs. General anesthesia is typically reserved for only the most complex cases and oral surgeries. Dr. Lindsey can help you choose the right treatment for your child.
Yes. Sedation is safe for most children. At Limestone Pediatric Dentistry, our top priority when providing dental sedation for kids is maintaining safety and comfort. If your little one is nervous about seeing a dentist or is undergoing a lengthy, complex dental procedure, Dr. Lindsey may recommend pediatric sedation to help them relax and feel safe during treatment.
Before administering sedation, Dr. Lindsey will assess your child's situation to determine if it's a safe option. She will check your child's health history, medications, and other underlying medical problems to ensure sedation is ideal for your little one. Dr. Lindsey will discuss the potential benefits and risks of sedation with you before deciding to use it.
Before sedation is given, there are things you must do to ensure your child has the best possible experience at the dentist's office. Dr. Lindsey may recommend the following items:
• Dress your little one in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Do not give your child solid foods before sedation.
• Bring your child's favorite toy.
• Remember to inform Dr. Linsey about any medications your baby is taking.
After the treatment, your child will remain on the chair for a while as they recover. In most cases, dental sedation will last for the duration of the dental procedure, which can range from half an hour to several hours. So your child’s sedation may start wearing off after 30 minutes or so. Your child may feel drowsy for several hours afterward, but this should subside soon.
Allow your child to rest and provide special care right after their treatment. Monitor them well and give them soft foods like smoothies and mashed vegetables to avoid discomfort in the mouth. It’s important to encourage your little one to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Not every child requires sedation, but it can be ideal for kids with dental phobia or those looking to undergo complex dental procedures. The best way to determine if your child is a good candidate for sedation is to speak with their doctor.
Dr. Lindsey will evaluate your child’s medical history and determine if sedation is a good option. She may also provide information about the potential benefits and drawbacks of sedation and recommend the proper dosage based on your child’s age and medical condition.
At Limestone Pediatric Dentistry, we have the training and capacity to provide various types of sedation dentistry. Dr. Lindsey will safely administer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation or other appropriate sedation options to ensure your child is as calm and comfortable as possible during dental treatment.
If you think your child may need sedation during their next dental treatment, it is important to consult with a qualified pediatric dentist to determine if they are a good candidate. Call us at (256) 434-5667 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez and learn more about our sedation options.
