Sedation Dentistry Idaho Falls

August 22, 2022

Many children, much like many adults, do not like the prospect of having to make a visit to the dentist, but it is imperative that parents take care of their children's dental health because it has a direct effect on their overall health and well-being of the child and his or her body. Many times, important dental work gets postponed for several years because the parents get stressed out when thinking about how the child will not cooperate with the dental team, which is the reason that pediatric sedation dentistry in Idaho Falls is so very important.

What is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry in Idaho Falls?

Pediatric sedation dentistry is a process in which a mild sedative, also known as calming drugs, is used to manage the anxiety or the special needs of a child while they are receiving dental care. Pediatric sedation dentistry is also used when a dental team performs several different types of procedures, some of which need to be done at the same time, to ensure the safety of the child or if a child has a very strong gag reflex.

Your child's dentist can perform the sedation process by giving your child a certain type of sedation medication, but keep in mind that it will not control the overall discomfort or pain that the child may experience from the dental procedure or procedures. Once your dentist has administered the sedation, he or she will give your child an injection shot or several of them in the area that is to be treated to keep that area pain-free during the procedure and after it is over for a period of time. The sedation medicine can last up to six hours after the treatment has been completed.

A Few Quick Facts About Sedation Dentistry

  • There are many types of sedation dentistry.
  •  Pediatric sedation is the process of using certain medications to keep your child very calm during a dental procedure but will not put your child completely to sleep.
  • The sedation process is done in the dentist’s office.
  • Your child’s dentist may use sedation dentistry for long procedures or when the child needs several procedures at one time. Your dentist may also use it for a child who has a very high level of fear when it comes to dental care and for those who have special needs or have trouble sitting still.
  • Types of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Used at Baker Pediatric Dentistry
  • • Oral Conscious Sedation: normally, for this type of oral conscious sedation, a child will be given a liquid medication. When it takes effect, your child will feel very relaxed and will be able to respond to verbal commands by the dental staff. The drugs usually used in this process are Midazolam and hydroxyzine.
  • • Inhalation Sedation: This type of inhalation sedation is created with nitrous oxide and oxygen, which is commonly referred to as laughing gas. It is very common to be used for pediatric patients and this particular procedure has been around for many years and has very few or even no side effects at all. Nitrous oxide is an anxiolytic that is utilized to assist children in relaxing and can even be used in conjunction with oral sedation medications.
  • • General Anesthesia: General anesthesia can only be given to children by a licensed anesthesiologist. It is administered through an IV (intravenously) that is placed in the child's arm or hand and will render your child completely sedated so that he or she will have no recollection at all of the dental procedure after it is completed.

When it comes to top-quality pediatric sedation dentistry in Idaho Falls, Baker Pediatric Dentistry is headed up by Dr. Thomas Baker who has decades of experience as a pediatric dentist and provides the best in pediatric dental care and treatments. His team includes three dental hygienists, two dental assistants, and several office staff members, including an office manager. The team is touted as the Idaho Falls Teeth Experts and specializes in dental care for children ages zero to 21 and patients of all ages with special needs. They offer an array of dental services and strive to keep children calm while visiting their office while stressing the importance of proper dental care and treatment. They want to make each child feel comfortable and have a great trip to the dentist! Call for an appointment today!

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