Tips for Relieving Dental Anxiety

When it comes to oral surgery procedures such as correcting developmental abnormalities or lengthy restorative procedures, properly administered sedation helps ensure patient relaxation, comfort, and tolerance for a timely visit to the dentist. Furthermore, sedation administered through an IV is especially useful for children with special needs or significant dental anxiety. Your kid’s dentist offers IV sedation to promote optimal patient comfort.

This type of sedation involves the administration of prescription medication intravenously. The medication used for sedation belongs to a family of medications that work specifically to reduce anxiety by attaching to the GABA receptors in the brain and slowing the central nervous system down to a more restful state. Your pediatric anesthesiologist will determine the level of dosage on an individual basis so that your child only receives the amount of medication needed.

In pediatric dentistry, dentists take special care to develop a bond with your child to help reduce the likelihood of he or she developing dental phobias in the future. For complex procedures, children often have difficulty staying patient and calm during a long visit to their pediatric dentist. In this instance, IV sedation may be applicable because it will ease your child’s fears along with promoting a peaceful experience.

An additional benefit to your kid’s dentist using IV sedation is that your child will have minimal or no recollection of the procedure after the medicine has worn off. Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation does not compromise the child’s breathing passageways. This benefit is optimal for performing oral health procedures.

If your child is in need of complex oral surgery or dental work, consider asking about your sedation options with your dentist. Be sure to discuss your child’s overall health and medical history as well.

Our team of pediatric dentists strive to provide a child-friendly, nurturing environment. To learn more about pediatric dental services along with information on services dedicated to patient comfort, contact our office at 817-569-6633 today to schedule an appointment.