Pediatric dental sedation (Brighton) makes it easier and safer for kids to access the oral care they need. When a child is too young or wiggly to sit through a dental procedure, dental sedation treatment near you makes visits to the dentist simpler for your family.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Our dental office for kids (in Brighton) frequently uses nitrous oxide to help children feel comfortable and relaxed during basic treatments. Nitrous oxide is also called “laughing gas” since it can occasionally give kids a case of the giggles. Others might even fall asleep.
Nitrous oxide sedation uses medical-grade gas that’s combined with pure oxygen and inhaled through a soft, scented nosepiece. Within just a few minutes, your child will feel a little bit of a “buzz” along with tingly fingers and toes. It’s common for a warm sensation to accompany the gas.
After a nitrous oxide sedation procedure is complete, we place your child back onto 100% pure oxygen for several minutes. By then, all the effects of the sedative are reversed. Since it’s quickly reversible, your child won’t have any lingering drowsiness afterward. However, their mouth will still be a bit numb because of the local anesthetic, which can take a few hours to wear off.
Laughing gas provides light sedation that’s excellent for children in need of basic restorative treatment, such as fillings, extractions, or crowns. The fast-acting analgesic is ideal for helping children relax during their procedure so that we can complete treatment more efficiently. That means briefer visits and less anxiety for your child.
Oral Pediatric Dental Sedation | Brighton
Oral sedation uses a type of sedative medication that’s taken by mouth just before the planned dental procedure. Our kids dentist (Brighton) typically pairs oral sedation with nitrous oxide for maximum comfort and relaxation.
With oral sedation, the effects of the sedative are much deeper than laughing gas. Although your child is still conscious, they are drowsier and sometimes feel like they’re in a dream-like state. The amnesic effects of the medication often mean that most children won’t remember much — if anything — about the appointment.
Since oral sedation lasts for a few hours, your child will have some lingering drowsiness following the procedure. We typically book these procedures first thing in the morning and ask that your child not eat or drink anything beforehand.
Oral sedation is ideal for instances involving:
- Complex treatment needs
- Multiple procedures in one visit
- Extractions or pulpotomies
- Children with special needs
- Moderate to severe anxiety and phobia
- Concerns about your child’s cooperation
Should My Child Get Sedation?
Our dental office for kids (in Brighton) offers different levels of sedation to fit the diverse needs of our patients. We typically don’t recommend sedation during basic preventative cleanings and exams. But if a child needs to have their mouth numbed for a dental filling or other restorative treatment, a light sedative can ensure the most comfortable experience.
We typically use nitrous oxide (the lightest form of dental sedation) on all restorative treatments. Most children feel relaxed and carefree, without worrying about everything else going on around them. But if your child needs multiple treatments or might be unable to sit through treatment on their own, deeper dental sedation might be the only way to facilitate the care that they need.
At Kids City Dental we’re happy to discuss the advantages of the different types of sedation dentistry that we offer. Together, we can find the best care option for your child.
Dental Office for Kids in Brighton
Kids City Dental offers children’s dentistry for all ages. By intercepting issues early, our kids dentist (Brighton) can help your child enjoy dental care in a positive, comfortable atmosphere. If you’re looking for dental sedation treatment near you, you’ve come to the right place! Call us today to reserve an appointment.
