Can Pediatric Patients Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

There’s no reason why comfort and dental care can’t go hand in hand – even for kids! At Southern Oaks Family Dental Care, we have taken extra measures to eliminate stress and anxiety from each dental visit, especially when it involves our youngest patients. We have a talented team of compassionate dentists who welcome the opportunity to care for your child’s smile in the most rewarding and comfortable ways possible.

To ensure your entire family can relax in the dental chair, we also offer soothing amenities and sedation dentistry options for all ages. Whether you have an anxious child or a lengthy restorative procedure as an adult, we can help you feel at ease while your smile is cared for.

What to Expect from Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Not everyone enjoys going to the dentist or sitting in the dental chair for long periods of time. This fear, anxiety and dread can be even more exaggerated for a child. However, parents should recognize the critical importance of establishing a positive and stress-free relationship with dental care at an early age, as this can heavily influence how they view the dentist as an adult.

Whether your child struggles with a fear of the dentist or they have a specific physical or mental limitation that makes sitting in the dental chair difficult, sedation dentistry can be a great help. When it comes to pediatric patients, we generally recommend nitrous oxide sedation, or “laughing gas” as most kids like to call it.

Nitrous oxide is completely safe for kids with no lingering side effects. By simply wearing a nosepiece and breathing in a colorless and sweet-smelling gas, your child can fall into a state of full relaxation. Don’t worry; your child will not be “put to sleep” like general anesthesia. Instead, they can still communicate as they wish, yet be unbothered by the treatment being done. After your child’s appointment using sedation dentistry, they are free to return to school and sports as normal.

Learn More About Helping Your Child Relax in the Dental Chair

We love kids at Southern Oaks Family Dental Care. In fact, we consider it a privilege to show children how fun and rewarding dental care can be. Our office provides a full menu of pediatric services, including preventive and restorative care. We also offer family block scheduling and extended hours to make it easier to get your child in to see a trusted dentist. To learn more about sedation dentistry for kids or to book your next visit with us, please call our Baton Rouge dental office today.