For some children, going to the dentist can be a challenge for various reasons. As a parent, you may be looking for a practice that offers pediatric sedation dentistry so your child can more easily and comfortably receive the dental care he or she needs.
In this blog, the pediatric dentists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will explain what to look for when choosing a pediatric sedation dentist in NYC.
What is pediatric sedation dentistry?
Pediatric sedation dentistry is the use of a mild sedative to manage special needs or anxiety in children while providing safe, comfortable dental care.
Sedation may also be used when several dental procedures need to be done at the same time, when the safety of the child may be compromised, or if your child has a strong “gag” reflex.
What are the types of pediatric sedation that are offered?
There are several different types of sedation that are available such as:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – This gas is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that’s administered by inhaling a pleasant aroma through a nasal mask. Laughing gas is considered a form of “conscious sedation” because patients will still be awake and can respond to the dentist, but they’ll feel relaxed and, in some cases, drowsy. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedative treatments in dentistry. It works quickly, and its effects wear off soon after the nasal mask is removed.
In-office sedation: This uses IV medication administered in our office to help reduce anxiety or discomfort during dental treatment. There are many safe, effective medications that can be used to help your child relax and promote an optimal environment for safe dental treatment. We’ll determine the best medication based on your child’s individual needs.
General anesthesia: This technique uses medications to allow your child to go to sleep while receiving dental treatment. General anesthesia may be appropriate for children who have severe anxiety, special needs, or extensive dental decay.
What types of procedures is pediatric sedation used for?
Procedures that typically may warrant the use of sedation dentistry include:
- Dental fillings, including those made from amalgam, composite resin fillings, or ceramic (non-plastic)
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
Is pediatric sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective way to help make many children comfortable and at ease during their dental visit. Before we administer any sedative or anesthetic to your child, your NYC sedation dentist at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will talk to you about the process of sedation and the instructions you’ll need to follow before and after sedation for your child. We also follow the guidelines put in place by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for the use of sedation dentistry.
Where can I find a pediatric sedation dentist in NYC?
Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is one of Manhattan’s first dental practices devoted to children.
Our practice is home to a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Oswald Jules, as well as experienced pediatric sedation dentists who are certified in conscious sedation dentistry.
Whether your child is undergoing treatment at our office or a hospital facility, each patient will receive the best quality dental care without the anxiety normally associated with a visit to the dentist. Our goal is to give children the care he or she needs in a compassionate manner to help put them on the path to a lifetime of good dental health.
To get more information about sedation dentistry for children at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, call our office at (212) 879-6518 today, or request a consultation by filling out the form on this page.