Don't Worry About Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry
- posted: Dec. 23, 2020
It is not uncommon for many kids to feel uneasy about going to the dentist. Some children worry that it will hurt having their teeth cleaned or a cavity filled. Others might just feel nervous about dental or medical appointments in general. Sedation dentistry can help your child feel more at ease and less worried. Dr. Michael Maurer and Dr. Gary Olen, the skilled and understanding dentists at Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry and Orthodontics in El Cajon, offer sedation dentistry to help your child relax and feel more comfortable during dental appointments.
Sedation Methods
Our highly trained dentists utilize two methods of sedation dentistry at our office in El Cajon. The first and most commonly used type is inhalation conscious sedation, which involves the use of nitrous oxide that is inhaled through a mask worn over the nose. Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an extremely safe option for alleviating dental anxiety in kids.
Children remain awake throughout their dental exam or procedure, but without the worry and anxiety. The nitrous oxide helps them relax and can even make the appointment seem to go by faster. This is especially beneficial when undergoing a lengthy dental procedure that some children would normally be unable to tolerate. Rather than having to complete necessary dental work across several appointments, sedation with nitrous oxide can help kids relax enough to have the work completed all at once.
The other type of sedation that is available for kids is oral sedation, which involves one or more sedative medications taken orally. Oral sedation is usually reserved for children with higher anxiety or dental phobia who require a greater level of sedation. Oral sedation is usually supplemented with nitrous oxide to help especially anxious children completely relax while remaining fully awake.
Oral conscious sedation is only utilized when necessary and requires special monitoring of the patient when used. Both of our dentists are licensed through the Dental Board of California to administer oral conscious sedation when treating anxious children.
There is no need for kids to worry about dental anxiety with sedation dentistry. Children will feel completely relaxed while getting the dental care they need. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Maurer or Dr. Olen to learn more about sedation dentistry by calling Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry and Orthodontics in El Cajon at (619) 440-5915.
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