At Epic Dentistry for Kids we are able to provide sedation
to help your child complete their dental treatment needs. We provide these services for kids all across Aurora and Denver.
There are two different options offered at Epic Dentistry for Kids: conscious oral sedation and sleep dentistry. Sedation dentistry may be needed if your child requires a lot of dental treatment, has special needs, or has dental anxiety and is unable to sit still long enough to receive treatment. Dr. Patterson will help you and your family decide which route is the best option to treat your child. Factors to consider typically include: anxiety level, ability to cooperate, medical history, and required amount of treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is lighter than the sedation required for sleep dentistry. It is typically used on children who are mildly anxious, able to somewhat sit still, and need only minimal treatment. For this procedure your child will be awake during the procedure, but they may feel sleepy.
At the dental appointment, before the start of the procedure, your pediatric dentist in Aurora will give your child a liquid or tablet to help your child feel more relaxed. The objective is not to put your child to sleep, but to decrease anxiety, reduce movement, and enhance their cooperation in a pain-free setting. In many cases, children do not remember the procedure.
Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry is the deeper sedation route. It is typically used on children who are very anxious, unable to sit still enough to perform the dentistry safely, need a lot of dental work, or have a disability that limits their ability to understand directions and be treated safely.
The sleep part of sleep dentistry is performed by a specialist. This anesthesiologist has had specialized training to allow your child to sleep safely. Dr. Chris Patterson will discuss whether your child is a candidate for this procedure.
It is important to note that with both sedation options, your child’s vital signs will be monitored throughout their treatment.
With this option your child will be unconscious during treatment. Therefore, your child will be unaware of the dental treatment that is being performed. This helps create an environment where treatment is completed under a safe, pain-free, and non-traumatizing setting.
With either option, your child cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. Dr. Patterson will discuss what to expect during the treatment and at home. He also recommends dressing your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing. We require at least one legal guardian and one additional adult to be present at the appointment. In order to discuss which option is best for your child, please give our office a call to make an appointment.
N2O for Anxiety Reduction
This anti-anxiety method is often used during a dental visit. It is administered with a mixture of oxygen and a gas that has a calming effect.
After treatment, oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes. The effects wear off almost immediately, and side effects are rare. You can learn more about nitrous oxide here.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry Aurora is the use of medication that helps a patients calm down and relax during a dental procedure. There are different options of sedation, and they depend on the procedure and the patient. Some patients can be completely asleep while other might partially awake but in a serene state of mind.
How does sedation dentistry work?
It depends on the sedation dentistry Aurora procedure. For conscious oral sedation, the doctor will give the patient a liquid or tablet to help them feel more calmed. The objective is to have the patient awake but to reduce any anxiety and movement. For sleep dentistry patients complete sedation is required and administered by a trained anesthesiologist. This procedure is only recommended for extremely anxious patients that are unable to sit still or cooperate with doctors and for patients who require major surgery. The 3rd procedure we offer is N2O for anxiety reduction and is a mixture of oxygen and gas administered during a dental visit that produces a calming effect.
Are there any sedation dentistry options?
Yes, there are three different sedation dentistry Aurora alternatives: conscious oral sedation and sleep dentistry. Sedation dentistry is required when the child will have major dental treatments, has special needs, or has dental anxiety and is unable to sit still long enough to receive treatment. The N2O for anxiety reduction is administered 5 to 10 minutes prior to seeing the doctor and has soothing calming effects. Our doctors will help you decide what is the best option for your child according to medical history, amount of work needed, levels of anxiety, age, and ability to cooperate.
What sedation is used for pediatric dentistry?
We use different procedures for sedation dentistry for kids Aurora. Oral conscious sedation is lighter than the sedation required for sleep dentistry. In this procedure your child will be awake but might feel sleepy. On the other hand, for major procedures we have Sleep dentistry and here your child will be asleep. The sedation will be administered by a specialist. Finally, N2O for Anxiety Reduction is a very mild procedure with rare side effects, and it wears off almost immediately.
Is dental sedation safe for children?
Sedation dentistry for kids Aurora procedures are safe and always administered by an experienced professional. Make sure to disclose and discuss all your child’s conditions with the doctor before having any sedation.
How long does dental oral sedation last?
For sedation dentistry for kids Aurora it depends on the treatment, drugs administered and patient. Prior to any procedure make sure to have a lengthy discussion with the doctor about all possible conditions so you and your child and you will be prepared and knowledgeable of what to expect.
