Sedation Dentistry for Children in Chesapeake

What Is Sedation for Dental Treatment?

Simply put, sedation dentistry for children is where your child receives a form of sedation to relax them. The type of sedation depends on the procedure, the procedure length, and your child's degree of nervousness. Most dentists recommend sleep dentistry for children who need lengthy procedures, have trouble sitting still, or children with special needs. Your child also receives a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on.

What Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

Your child's sedation dentistry cost will depend on the type of sedation used and whether your dental insurance will cover it if it is medically necessary. Inhalation sedation is the most affordable option, but you shouldn't make cost the deciding factor. You can't put a price on relieving your child's anxiety. Also, sedation may reduce the number of visits required, which will also reduce your overall cost.

Why Use Sedation Dentistry for Children in Chesapeake?

Our goal is to make your child as comfortable as possible. We feel we can help prevent kid’s dental anxiety by explaining sedation to your child in terms they understand. We'll tell them that they may feel a little silly or sleepy and not not feel any pain during their procedure. Please call us for an appointment if you want your child to see a dentist who wants your child to feel at ease regardless of their dental issue.

What Are the Different Types of Sedation Dentistry for Children?

There are four sedation dentistry for children options, including:

Nitrous Oxide - This is of form of inhalation sedation that most people know as laughing gas. Your child will breathe nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask over their nose. It's administered along with a local anesthetic and will make your child feel euphoric. This is a very safe form of sedation that wears off almost immediately after the procedure.

Oral Sedation Dentistry - We may suggest oral sedation dentistry in conjunction with nitrous oxide. It will depend on your child's overall health, weight and age. Your child will remain conscious, although they may doze off because they are so relaxed.

IV Sedation Dentistry - IV sedation dentistry is known as sleep dentistry, although your child is not in a deep sleep. It's more like a twilight sleep. Your child should still be able to respond to the dentist.

Deep Sedation Dentistry - This is also a form of IV sedation where your child is completely out. This type of sedation is usually administered in a hospital or specialty dental office for children needing a major procedure, like impacted wisdom teeth extractions or jaw surgery.

What Are the Advantages of Sedation Dentistry for Children?

Sedation dentistry can help eliminate kid’s dental anxiety. Very young children and kids with special needs will remember necessary, extensive dental procedures. It can give them a fear of visiting the dentist that continues into adulthood. With sedation, the child won't be aware of reality, nor how long it took. Not all kids need sedation; your dentist will try other tactics first. However, kids who are already anxious, those that have a bad gag reflex, and kids that will have trouble sitting still during a procedure will benefit from sedation.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry for Children in Chesapeake?

Many insurance company plans do not cover sedation for children unless it is medically necessary. If you are concerned about the cost, please talk to your child's dentist and familiarize yourself with your plan's policies. Even if you don't have sedation dentistry insurance, sedation may save you money as your child's dentist can perform multiple procedures at once, eliminating the need for multiple visits. Please contact our office if you have questions.

How Long Does Sedation for Dental Treatment Last in Kids?

Laughing gas wears off extremely quickly, usually in five minutes. Your child can resume their normal activities afterward. Both Oral sedation dentistry and IV sedation dentistry will make your child feel sleepy afterward. You should keep them with you and monitor them to ensure they don't have any nausea. If you notice any unusual symptoms, like vomiting or a fever, contact our office. Deep sleep dentistry takes the longest to recover from and your child's dentist will provide you with specific instructions.

If you are interested in Sedation dentistry for children in toddlers and older children, please call our office. We'll walk you through the process and help you determine if it is the right choice for your child.