Pediatric Sedation Dentistry – Wylie, TX

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

Contrary to what you might have heard, dental sedation is safe for patients of all ages when administered by a trained professional. Your child's pediatric dentist will learn more about their medical history and any medications they are taking to ensure there's no risk of adverse complications. Our dental team will monitor your child closely during their appointment. Every situation differs, but nitrous oxide is the safest for most patients.

Will my child feel any pain with sedation dentistry?

Your child’s comfort is our top priority. A local numbing agent can be used along with nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to block any pain signals. If your little one requires IV sedation, they'll sleep comfortably during their appointment. Although they won't feel anything during their procedure, some treatments can cause mild tenderness, which can be managed using an OTC pain reliever suitable for their age. Their dentist may have additional aftercare instructions to prevent discomfort, like eating softer foods.

Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?

You've probably watched a few videos of teens acting goofy after getting their wisdom teeth removed, but dental sedation isn't a truth serum. If your child says anything out of the ordinary, it won't leave the dental room. We treat every patient with the utmost respect and integrity.

Will dental sedation put my child to sleep?

It depends on the sedative used. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation will not put your child to sleep; however, they can reach a deep level of relaxation that may cause them to doze off. They can be awakened easily to respond to the dentist, but it's unlikely they will remember much of their appointment. On the other hand, IV sedation will cause them to drift off into a peaceful sleep, but they'll awaken within a few minutes of the sedative being stopped. As a result, they will have no memory of the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry expensive?

There’s no flat fee for sedation dentistry because various factors affect the cost, like the type of sedative and the amount administered. Generally, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedatives have a lower cost than IV sedation; however, every case differs. Your dental insurance can also affect the cost. Often, sedation is considered a “luxury,” but there are expectations. Patients with underlying health issues, complex treatments, or other special needs can use their coverage to offset the cost. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate benefits. If there’s any remaining balance, they will also review your payment options, like third-party financing. You can make monthly payments with little or no interest based on your credit approval.

How long does dental sedation last? 

If your child receives dental sedation, how long it lasts will depend on the type they get. Different sedatives have effects with differing lifespans.

Take nitrous oxide sedation, for instance. Its effects should fade a few minutes after your child stops breathing the gas. Since that’s the case, your little one can resume their daily activities right after treatment.

In contrast, oral conscious sedation has longer-lasting effects. The pill will make your child drowsy for a whole day, so drive them back home after their visit. They’ll need to “sleep off” the sedative before it exits their system.

What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist? 

Similar to how long it lasts, how sedation feels depends on the sedative. Its effect on your child could range from mild to fairly intense.

With nitrous oxide, a kid will usually feel moderately relaxed and euphoric. Some child patients have also reported tingling sensations in their arms and legs. Your young one could also get the giggles, hence nitrous oxide’s nickname of “laughing gas.”

Both oral conscious and IV sedations offer deep levels of calm. In fact, they may leave your child struggling to speak or stay awake; they can easily make someone doze off.

Will dental sedation make my child sick? 

Dental sedation rarely makes people sick, whether the patient is a child or an adult. Still, there are varying levels of risk based on the sedative used.

Nitrous oxide sedation hardly ever causes nausea; its effects are often too mild to induce sickness. However, the risk does increase ever so slightly the longer the gas is inhaled. That may be something you want to watch for during your child’s care.

Being stronger than nitrous oxide, both oral conscious and IV sedation have elevated nausea risks. That’s why most dentists suggest your child not eat for a few hours before getting either. If your youngster is prone to nausea, tell the dentist beforehand.

Is sedation dentistry worthwhile?

Rest assured that sedation dentistry is worthwhile for kids. Depending on your child’s situation, it can make dental care a lot simpler and easier for everyone.

For instance, maybe your child has severe dental anxiety or needs extensive dental work. In such cases, sedation makes a procedure smoother for your kiddo (and the dentist.)

Of course, sedation could also ensure your child doesn’t delay treatment. That would help them avoid an even more expensive and invasive procedure later. So, paying for sedation now could save you time and money over time.