Sedation for Your Child’s Dental Care
If your child needs dental treatment because he or she has a cavity, or broke a tooth due to an accident we understand they may be anxious. Our office understands that each child has a different feeling when visiting the dentist, and some children may be anxious. For this reason our office offers a wide variety of sedation services including laughing gas (nitrous oxide/oxygen therapy), oral conscious sedation (moderate sedation), and sleep dentistry (general anesthesia).
Request an Appointment for Your Child Today. Call 563-607-5979
Sedation Dentistry for Children
At Arctic Dental, we know dental treatment can make children anxious. Whether your child is a current patient or if this will be the first time your child needs dental treatment, we will evaluate your child, and discuss the risks and benefits to sedation dentistry for your child. We happily offer a wide variety of sedation services.
Our office offers sedation dentistry for children: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.*
Most Common Children’s Sedation Needs
- Fearful or anxious child who prior treatment techniques have not been successful
- A child unable to cooperate due to age or disability
- To prevent a child from having negative dental experiences
- To reduce medical risk associated with anesthesia for a child
What to Do If My Child Needs Sedation for Dentistry
If your child requires sedation for dental care:
- Notify our office of any change in health including fever, ear infection, airway congestion, or trauma. These conditions may increase the risk for adverse outcomes related to sedation
- Disclose all medications, including over the counter medications, and herbal supplements. If your child takes medications discuss with our office when medications should be taken.
- Restrict the intake of food and liquids eight hours prior to sedation, doing so will reduce the risk of aspiration, which could cause a life threatening emergency
- Dress your child comfortably in loose fitting clothing, we will need to monitor your child for safety
- Try not to bring other kids to the sedation appointment so we can focus on the child undergoing sedation
- Bring an additional adult to the appointment to help with care after the sedation appointment
Sedation Dentist for Children in Muscatine, IA
Dental care for children can be difficult, especially for young kids who may not be able to sit for a filling or extraction.
At Arctic Dental, our goal is to provide quality dental care in the most comfortable setting.
While sedation dentistry has risks, it can be done safely. Dr. Jarod evaluates each child, and bases the mode of treatment based on their individual circumstances. Our office takes sedation and anesthesia services for children very seriously, and our goal is to optimize patient comfort while minimizing risk to patients. Sedation services are not available for emergency care, and are offered to patients who meet strict health criteria for patient safety.
*Advanced sedation techniques such as moderate sedation, and general anesthesia may have limited availability.
^Accepting new patients from Muscatine and areas near West Liberty, Columbus Junction, Wapello, Tipton, Wilton, Durant, Stockton, Walcott, Blue Grass.
FAQS
What are my sedation dentistry treatment options?
At Arctic Dental, we understand that dental anxiety can be a real barrier to receiving the dental care you need. That’s why we offer a range of sedation dentistry options to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your dental procedures.
Our first option is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It induces a state of relaxation and reduces anxiety, allowing you to feel more at ease during your treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after your appointment.
Another option we offer is oral conscious sedation. This involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you relax. The medication will make you drowsy, but you will still be conscious and able to respond to the dentist’s instructions. Oral conscious sedation is a popular choice for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, as it can help you feel calm and at ease throughout your treatment.
For patients who require more extensive dental work or have severe dental anxiety, we also offer intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia. IV sedation involves administering medication through a vein, which induces a state of deep relaxation and may cause you to fall asleep during the procedure. General anesthesia, on the other hand, renders you completely unconscious. Both options are closely monitored by our experienced team to ensure your safety and comfort.
During your consultation, Dr. Jarod will discuss your sedation dentistry options with you and help you determine the best choice based on your individual needs and preferences.
What is the sedation dentistry treatment process?
The sedation dentistry treatment process at Arctic Dental is designed to ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout your dental procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Jarod will evaluate your dental needs and discuss your medical history, including any allergies or medications you may be taking. This information will help determine the most suitable sedation option for you.
- Preparing for sedation: Depending on the type of sedation you choose, you may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period of time before your appointment. This is to ensure your safety during the procedure.
- Administering sedation: On the day of your appointment, our team will carefully administer the chosen sedation method. Whether it’s nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, our experienced professionals will closely monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.
- Dental treatment: Once you are in a relaxed and comfortable state, Dr. Jarod will begin your dental treatment. Whether it’s a routine cleaning, a filling, or a more complex procedure, you can rest assured that you will be in capable hands.
- Recovery and post-treatment care: After your dental treatment is complete, we will closely monitor your recovery until you are ready to leave our office. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may feel groggy or drowsy for a few hours, so it’s important to have someone accompany you to your appointment and drive you home afterward.
What are some other tips for reducing my child’s dental anxiety?
We understand that children may experience dental anxiety, and our team at Arctic Dental is committed to creating a positive and comfortable environment for your child’s dental visits. Here are some tips to help reduce your child’s dental anxiety:
- Start early: Introduce your child to the dentist at an early age, ideally around their first birthday. This helps them become familiar with the dental office and builds a foundation of trust.
- Choose a pediatric dentist: Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and have additional training to address their unique needs. A pediatric dentist will have a child-friendly office environment and a gentle approach to dental care.
- Use positive language: Avoid using words that may scare or intimidate your child when talking about dental visits. Instead, use positive and age-appropriate language to explain what will happen during the appointment.
- Role-play at home: Practice dental visits at home by playing pretend dentist with your child. Use a toothbrush to count their teeth and show them how to open wide. This can help familiarize them with the dental experience in a fun and non-threatening way.
- Bring comfort items: Allow your child to bring a favorite toy or blanket to the dental appointment. Having something familiar can provide comfort and a sense of security during the visit.
- Reward bravery: Praise your child for their bravery during and after the dental visit. Consider offering a small reward or special treat as a positive reinforcement for their cooperation.
Remember, our team at Arctic Dental is experienced in working with children and will do everything possible to ensure their comfort and well-being during their dental visits. We are here to answer any questions you may have and help make your child’s dental experience a positive one.
If you have any other questions or concerns about sedation dentistry or your dental care, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (563) 607-5979. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.