Going to the dentist can be a source of anxiety for adults. It can cause terror in the minds and hearts of children. As parents, the last thing you want is for your child to hate to go to the dentist. Instead, you want their trips to the dentist to become part of their health routine. You want it to be something that they continue to do even as they get older. Sedation dentistry is an excellent tool that parents can request at our office in Ashburn, VA to help their child be less anxious during the visit. Sedation dentistry is not only good for children who feel nervous at the dentist, but it is also good for hyperactive children that might not be able to sit still long enough to get the treatment that they need.
There are options for children who need to relax in order to get the treatment needed. One of the more popular forms of sedation is conscious sedation. This means that the child relaxes or the child becomes tired, but they are completely conscious during the procedure. During the procedure, the child will still be able to respond when given a command and will still have the protective reflexes that keep them safe.
Conscious sedation is often used on children in Ashburn, VA who need extensive dental care. It can also be used on children who have special needs. There are various forms of conscious sedation that are available. Talk to our dentist and let her recommend what is best for your child. After discussing the options, the doctor and the parent can determine what’s best.
One of the most common forms of sedation in dentistry is nitrous oxide. People refer to this as laughing gas. This is great for children in Ashburn, VA who only have a mild or moderate sense of nervousness at the dentist. It allows them to relax. It makes it easier for the dentist to treat the child.
During this procedure, a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is given to the child. The child will breathe through their nose and the gas starts to kick in. The parent and the dentist will see that the child is less agitated and that the child is less nervous.
Oral sedation is a little bit stronger than nitrous oxide. Oral sedation will minimize a child’s anxiety level, improve their cooperation with the dentist, and make it easier for them to receive treatment. Unlike nitrous oxide, oral sedation may make your child fall asleep.
Sedation dentistry has helped many children, parents, and dentists during dental visits. It is a safe and effective way to help your child relax while visiting us at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule a dental appointment at our office in Ashburn, VA.
