Pediatric Sedation Dentist – Naperville, IL
Calming, Relaxing Dental Care
It should come as no surprise that many children suffer from dental anxiety. This can change the way they view the dental office, making it increasingly difficult for parents to keep their regularly scheduled dental checkups and teeth cleanings. But Dr. Cory and Dr. Nicole want to flip the script when it comes to scary dental office experiences. At our pediatric dental office, children can expect a kid-friendly, compassionate, and welcoming vibe, and to ensure they remain calm throughout their visit, we offer sedation dentistry. Call us to find out if your child might be a candidate for nitrous oxide dental sedation or general anesthesia from our gentle pediatric sedation dentisty in Naperville, IL.
Why Choose G&G Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
- Zero-Interest Financing Available
- Specialists with Years of Experience and Training
- Compassionate Dental Team
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Many children feel nervous about dental visits, but if your child is overly anxious or struggles to sit still throughout their appointment, it can be difficult to complete the procedures needed to help protect or repair their still-developing smile.
As a result, our compassionate providers offer nitrous oxide sedation to help kids get through their treatments successfully. Continue reading to learn more about this medication and when it might be recommended!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is considered safe for most people, including children, as long as it’s administered by a qualified professional. Our team might recommend this service for patients who have one or more of the following:
- Moderate to severe dental anxiety
- A sensitive gag reflex that is easily triggered
- Tender teeth or sore gums
- A fear of needles
- Resistance to local numbing agents
- Trouble sitting still for longer periods
- A disability, disorder, or medical condition that interferes with our ability to provide the necessary services
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
If you’re worried this service will ‘knock out’ your child or work like a truth serum, you can thankfully set your concerns aside. Nitrous oxide doesn’t usually put patients to sleep, but it reduces their body’s ability to respond to external stimuli.
This medication is inhaled as a gas through a mask that’s placed over your child’s nose while we work. It is used to induce calm and relaxation, though your kid might also get a case of the giggles. The effects of nitrous oxide kick in almost immediately once it’s inhaled, and then dissipate just as quickly after the mask is removed, so your child can likely resume usual activities following their appointment.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the reasons this medication is so popular is that there is very little or no recovery required. Usually, patients who have undergone treatment with laughing gas can safely resume their normal routines once the medication leaves their system, which typically only takes a few minutes. However, there’s a chance that your child might feel groggy or nauseated for a little while, though these symptoms typically resolve themselves relatively quickly.
Depending on the reason for your child’s visit, we might provide additional aftercare instructions to help care for their teeth and gums, tailored to their unique needs and the procedure(s) they underwent.
General Anesthesiology
If general anesthesiology is recommended for your child, it is likely because they suffer from extreme dental anxiety or are preparing to undergo multiple dental treatments during one appointment. We will administer the medication via an IV that is inserted in the hand or bend of the elbow. Soon, your child will be fully sedated, allowing them to sleep through the entire procedure. Our team will closely monitor them to ensure their safety throughout the appointment. Once the IV is removed, they will likely remain groggy the rest of the day and will be required to return home and rest.
