When children visit our office, we want them to feel comfortable and relaxed. Dental sedation is a safe option that we offer in-office for children who need long treatments or more relaxation during treatment. We offer sedation dentistry for children in Worcester, MA at Children’s Dental Specialties.
Inhalation sedation is one of the most common types of sedation we use and has no health risks for patients. General anesthesia is best for children 3 years and older. Anesthesiologist Dr. Patrick McCarty can administer dental sedation so children have relaxing and pain-free dental care. Sedation for children is part of our complete pediatric dental services.
What are the Benefits of Dental Sedation?
Sedation is safe for all ages. The advantages of sedation dentistry in our Worcester, MA office include:
- Stress-Free Dental Visits: Under sedation, your child will feel comfortable enough not to feel anxiety from treatment. Your child will feel comfortable and relaxed. It can lessen their stress when they regularly visit our office.
- Reduced Gag Reflex: Sedation is useful for patients with a poor gag reflex. This problem can make it hard for our team to work on patients. Under sedation, patients won’t have gag reflex problems.
- Customized Care: Our experienced dentists can safely administer sedation for children. We control the level of sedation for each patient based on their size and weight. Our team has the experience and training so your child stays safe.
- Improved Health: Sedation allows patients to get the dental care they need comfortably and safely. When patients avoid the dentist, they may not thoroughly clean their teeth and gums at home. Many patients who may haven’t gotten dental treatment can improve their oral health with this dental tool.
Dr. Moheban and his team will review your child’s options before treatment. He’ll explain the process, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident in the care your child will receive. He wants families to feel prepared and comfortable before treatment.
Why Do Patients Need Dental Sedation?
Sedation is a great option for children who need complex care or have dental anxiety. We’ll review some of the most common reasons for dental sedation or patients who benefit from sedation.
Extreme Dental Fear
In some cases, just the idea of going to the dentist can send a child into a panic attack. It can be hard to see these patients regularly, so they don’t get the dental cleanings and exams needed to help prevent or catch dental issues in the early stages.
Unfortunately, when we see these patients, it’s because they have some sort of dental pain. General anesthesia is the best way to proceed with dental treatment and keep these patients at ease.
Special Needs Children
Children with certain physical or mental conditions may need specialized care. Patients with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome may benefit from dental sedation in Worcester. It may be the best way to provide quality care safely for the patient and the dental team.
Complex Dental Cases
Patients who need complex dental care can also benefit from sedation. When patients are completely relaxed, our dental team can complete all necessary work in a shorter amount of time. Children won’t feel any pain or discomfort if they need treatments like a root canal.
Sedation Dentistry Services in Worcester, MA
Our dental office offers sleep dentistry to help patients feel comfortable during treatment. Our two options offer different levels of sedation. We’ll recommend the right option for your child’s needs.
Nitrous Oxide
Often called “laughing gas,” this is a mild sedative that helps patients relax. When your child breathes in this colorless, slightly sweet-smelling gas through a small mask, it creates a calm feeling and keeps them fully awake.
Kids can still talk and respond to the dentist, and it wears off quickly after treatment. This safe option works well for patients who feel nervous but can cooperate during their appointment.
General Anesthesia
We offer general anesthesia for patients who need deeper sedation. This puts children into a controlled sleep during dental work. Young children, children with, special needs, or children that need more complex or lengthy treatment benefit.
A specially trained anesthesia provider carefully monitors the patient throughout the entire procedure to ensure safety. We recommend general anesthesia when other relaxation techniques aren’t as effective. Our team will help determine which option works best based on your child’s age, health, and dental needs to ensure a comfortable experience.
Is Dental Sedation Safe for Children?
Yes, dental sedation is generally safe for kids when done by a trained dentist. Trained anesthesiologist Dr. McCarty is Board Certified through the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
Dr. McCarty will choose the right type based on your child’s age, weight, and health. He can also reverse the effects of sedation if needed. Dr. McCarty will monitor your child closely the entire time. If you’re concerned about sedation, we encourage you to talk to our office. We can explain how it works and what steps we take to keep your child safe during the dental visit.
How to Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
Preparing your child for their dental visits can help them feel excited about the dentist. Before your child’s visit, you can:
- Roleplay being a dentist when you brush and floss your child’s teeth
- Read books about visiting the dentist
- Watch videos about dental visits
- Talk to your child about what to expect, but avoid using the words “hurt” or “pain”
- Schedule an office tour
Getting your child familiar with our office and the dentist will help them feel more comfortable at their dental visit. At your child’s visit, you can:
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones
- Sit in the same room as your child or have them sit on your lap (depending on age)
- Bring a stress ball, toy, or blanket
Our friendly dental team will ask your child questions about themselves and explain treatment to them in simple terms. We will also tell your child what we will do, show the tool or instrument, and perform the procedure gently.
Our team is here to help children know what to expect to reduce their fear of the unknown. We make dental cleanings in our Worcester, MA, office enjoyable for patients of all ages.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We can help. Learn more about pediatric sedation dentistry in our Worcester, MA, dental office with answers to these common questions.
How long does sedation last?
Our office uses nitrous oxide because it works quickly and its effects wear off just as fast. Your child will usually feel back to normal within a few minutes. Laughing gas will help your child relax during the procedure without leaving them with lasting reactions.
How do I know if sedation is right for my child?
We’llcheck your child’s overall health, the type of dental procedure, and how anxious or nervous your child feels before treatment. Sedation is a good option if your child has a lot of fear, needs a long or complex procedure, or struggles to sit still in the dentist’s chair. We’ll discuss the benefits and any risks to help you decide what’s best for your child.
How will sedation affect my child after a dental procedure?
Your child should feel normal pretty quickly after a dental procedure with laughing gas. The effects wear off right after treatment. Your child might feel lightheaded or giggly right after, but these feelings go away fast. They should be able to return to their regular activities soon without feeling tired or groggy.
Will my child be awake under laughing gas?
Yes, your child will be awake while using laughing gas (nitrous oxide). It helps them feel calm and relaxed during the dental procedure, but they stay conscious and can respond to the dentist.
Laughing gas can reduce anxiety and makes the experience more comfortable. Once the gas is turned off, your child will feel back to normal.
What should I do to prepare my child for dental sedation?
To get your child ready for dental sedation, it helps to talk with them about what will happen. Explain that the sedation will help them feel calm and relaxed.
You can bring something familiar, like a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal to our office. These items can help your child feel safe and relaxed. Make sure your child wears loose and comfortable clothes so they can stay cozy during the procedure. After the visit, your child may feel sleepy, so plan for them to rest at home for a while.
How can I help my child recover after dental sedation?
Although nitrous oxide wears off quickly, your child might still feel sleepy. Allow them to rest for a short time after the appointment.
Make sure your child drinks some water to stay hydrated. This helps flush out any remaining effects of the gas. Once your child feels up to it, give them a light snack if hungry. Avoid sugary or hard-to-chew foods right away.
Keep an eye on how your child feels after the procedure. Your child might feel a bit disoriented or giggly right after treatment. Be patient and reassure them that this is normal and will pass soon.
Will dental sedation help my anxious child?
Yes, sedation like laughing gas can help your child feel relaxed and calm during the dental procedure without making them completely sleepy. The gas works quickly and wears off soon after the procedure is finished. It helps children who feel nervous about visiting the dentist because it can make the experience more comfortable and less stressful.
Will my child need special monitoring under laughing gas?
Yes, we’ll monitor your child. Our dentist will keep a close watch on your child’s breathing, heart rate, and overall comfort. He’ll also adjust the amount of gas and make sure your child stays safe throughout the procedure.
Contact Us For Comfortable Pediatric Treatment
Does your child have anxiety or dental fear? Call Children’s Dental Specialties for relaxing sedation dentistry in Worcester, MA, at (508) 625-5534. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us on our website. Please let us know if you have questions. We’re here to help.