Sedation Dentistry for Children
Skilled Sedation Dentistry for Children in San Leandro
As your child's smile develops, it's crucial they regularly visit the dentist. However, when they're too nervous or afraid of dental appointments, it can make it challenging for them to get the dental care they need to have a healthy and beautiful smile. If you're looking for a way to help make your child's visits as stress-free as possible, San Leandro Pediatric Dentistry offers extensive sedation dentistry options to meet their needs.
A hallmark of our practice is treating your children with the kindness and compassion they deserve. As such, we have a wealth of experience working with children of all ages and understand how to interact with them in a way that helps them feel comfortable and relaxed. Our dental team, led by Dr. Miguel A. Hipolito and Dr. Rene Yabar, looks forward to meeting your child and helping ease their anxiety during appointments. Contact us today to schedule your son or daughter's next visit!
CALL US: (510) 352-2632 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Sedation dentistry refers to administering medication to help patients relax before and during dental procedures. Also known as sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry is safe for children as young as one year old. Whether your child struggles to sit still for long periods or has difficulty following instructions, sedation dentistry can make their visit easier and reduce their dental anxiety.
When your child is sedated during their appointment, they're awake and responsive, although they may be so relaxed that they're unaware treatment is taking place. Through sedation dentistry, your child can feel more confident during each visit, and their anxiety may disappear altogether as time goes on.
Our Sleep Dentistry Offerings
Our dental practice is proud to offer various forms of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide and general anesthesia. Depending on the nature of your child's procedure, specific sedation types are more appropriate than others. Before your child's treatment can begin, our dentist will discuss the available sedation options and what each process entails. We'll also answer your questions so that you and your child are informed and confident going into the appointment. Our San Leandro sleep dentistry options include the following:
Nitrous oxide sedation: Sometimes called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedation option for children that will help them relax during their dental procedure. As a light sedation option, it keeps your child awake and able to communicate. Our team will administer nitrous through a mask placed over their nose. When the procedure is finished, we'll flush the nitrous out of their system using oxygen. More importantly, there are no lasting side effects to this type of sedation dentistry, and your child can safely go back to school or other activities after their visit.
General anesthesia: Our practice has received unique privileges from Kaiser Permanente to provide children with general anesthesia. As a more intensive form of sedation, general anesthesia requires additional preparation and monitoring compared to other sedation types. General anesthesia is reserved for complex procedures or patients with severe dental anxiety. For example, children with special needs who may not be able to fully cooperate or follow instructions can benefit tremendously from general anesthesia.
Sedation Dentistry for Children FAQs
The thought of a child being sedated can be intimidating for parents and guardians. That's why our friendly and helpful dental team is here to answer your questions. We'll give you the information you need to make informed and confident decisions on your child's behalf. Some of the most frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry for children include:
Can my child eat before being sedated?
For nitrous oxide treatment and general anesthesia, your child should not eat within six hours of their appointment. When your son or daughter has a full stomach during sedation, it can increase the chance of aspiration complications during the procedure.
How long does sedation dentistry last?
It depends on the type of sedation administered to your child. However, most sedation options wear off soon after your child's appointment. However, we recommend having them take it easy as the remaining effects of the medication in their system wear off.
San Leandro Children's Sedation Dentistry
At San Leandro Pediatric Dentistry, we want every child who walks through our doors to feel comfortable and relaxed about their appointments. For children that require additional help relaxing, we offer extensive options to meet their unique needs. We offer our sedation dentistry to children of all ages and those with special needs. Call us today to schedule your kid's next appointment and learn how our San Leandro children's sedation dentistry can benefit them!
CALL US: (510) 352-2632 REQUEST APPOINTMENT