SEDATION DENTIST FOR KIDS SOUTH PORTLAND & AUBURN
Ensuring Positive, Comfortable Appointments
Dental sedation is a unique service we provide at our offices. While many dentists do not offer this type of treatment for young patients, we make it possible for even the most anxious children and teens to get the oral healthcare they need. Using nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation dentistry for kids, we can minimize fears, instill reassurance, and deliver a safe and reliable solution that keeps your child calm each time they visit our pediatric dental office. Let us know how we can help by calling to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Maine Pediatric Dentistry for Children’s Sedation Dentistry?
- Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation Provided
- Calm and Caring Dental Team
- Dentist with Years of Trusted Experience
Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Depending on past dental experiences, some children may experience dental anxiety. Typically ranging from mild to moderate, the nervousness they face can make visiting the dentist’s office difficult. However, with nitrous oxide, Dr. Sara (Yun Ae) Kim and our team can create a more pleasant and comfortable environment. Commonly known as laughing gas, the solution allows young patients to feel relaxed, warm, and completely anxiety-free during their treatment. To learn more, read on or get in touch with us to schedule an appointment!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide has been used for over 100 years now, and it has been extensively studied and tested during that time. It’s considered safe for patients of all ages, including children; however, there are some cases where we don’t recommend it. For example, if your child has asthma or another condition that makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nose, laughing gas isn’t ideal. At their initial appointment, we will complete a comprehensive review of their dental and medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for this calming solution.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask, which is placed over your child’s nose after they settle comfortably into the treatment chair. We’ll begin the flow of the odorless, colorless gas and, within a matter of minutes, they will feel the effects. Many patients report feeling light and even slightly euphoric, which is why this calming solution is often referred to as “laughing gas.” They’ll be able to easily respond to any verbal cues we give them, and we can adjust the nitrous as needed to ensure they remain as calm and comfortable as possible during their time in the treatment chair.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once we’re done, we’ll switch off the nitrous oxide. As quickly as the effects came on, they dissipate. So, you won’t have to worry about lingering grogginess or taking your child out of school for the rest of the day – they can resume normal activity immediately following their appointment!
Oral Conscious Sedation
When dental anxiety is more serious, or a child requires multiple dental treatments in a single visit, we may recommend oral conscious sedation. Administered in pill form or a liquid, a child will take the medicine at least one hour before their appointment so that it has time to take effect. Although they will not be fully sedated during treatment, they may doze off, unlikely to remember much from their visit.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a slightly more powerful medication than what is provided with nitrous oxide. Delivered as a pill or liquid, it produces calming effects that allow for an anxiety-free dental experience. It is ingested before the appointment so that they feel at ease once they reach the dentist’s chair.
It’s often a preferred method of sedation because it doesn’t require your child to wear a mask, making for a more comfortable visit.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
If you are concerned that your child will be fully sedated with this type of medication, do not worry. Oral conscious sedation will not cause them to be “knocked out.” While they might doze off during their appointment, our team will be able to gently wake them with a light nudge.
After taking the medication, it will take a short amount of time before they begin to feel the effects; however, once they are in the dentist’s chair, they’ll feel comfortable and ready for treatment to begin. Throughout the appointment, they will remain still, calm, and pain-free. It’s also unlikely they will remember much from their visit.
Once Dr. Kim is finished with treatment, you can expect your child to still feel tired, as it does take time for the effects to wear off. You’ll need to drive your little one home so they can rest for the remainder of the day.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Dr. Kim will want to meet with you and your child before determining whether oral conscious sedation is the right option. Based on their overall health history as well as any medications they are currently taking, we may recommend it if:
- They dislike visiting the dentist’s office because of past dental trauma
- They have moderate dental anxiety
- They have a strong gag reflex
- They have a physical disability that makes it harder for them to remain still in the treatment chair
- They require more than one dental treatment during a single appointment
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Kids?
Sedation dentistry is generally safe for kids. The mildest form of sedation, nitrous oxide, is very low-risk when it is administered by a properly trained dental team. Oral conscious sedation is also very well-tolerated in appropriate doses.
Some kids experience mild side effects, like nausea or grogginess. Limiting your child’s food intake before their procedure may help to reduce the risk of vomiting and nausea.
If your child experiences any severe or unusual symptoms that you believe may be related to sedation, be sure to let our team know immediately.
Will My Child Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Even though most forms of dental sedation do not actually cause unconsciousness, they can lower the patient’s awareness of their surroundings. Particularly with oral conscious sedation, memory loss is a common side effect. This can be great for kids who are bothered by the sights, sounds, and sensations of dental care.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of dental sedation for kids depends on the type and amount of sedative used. Nitrous oxide is usually the most affordable option, often costing just a few hundred dollars. Oral conscious sedation may cost a bit more, but it is also affordable for most families.
Our team can provide cost estimates during your child’s consultation. We are also happy to help you understand payment options, such as convenient low-interest financing through CareCredit.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance companies classify sedation as a luxury, so it is not usually covered. However, there are some exceptions. For example, coverage is more likely for special needs kids, as well as those who need to undergo extensive treatments. Milder forms of sedation are also more likely to receive coverage than more complex sedation methods.
Our team welcomes insurance, and we may be able to help you figure out how your benefits apply. We can even assist you with acquiring preauthorization so you do not run into any unpleasant surprises when you are paying for your child’s treatment.
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
One of the great things about nitrous oxide is that it tends to wear off almost as soon as the nasal mask is removed. Within minutes, your child should return to feeling normal!
Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, tends to have longer-lasting effects. It might even last for a full day after your child’s procedure. During that time, they should get plenty of rest and avoid any rough forms of play or other activities that pose a risk of injury.
