Here at Seaside Children’s Dentistry, it is our goal to offer children a fun, exciting, stimulating space where they can experience all the wonderful wonders of exceptional dentistry! Our team members take great pride in seeing children enjoy their dental appointments and become engaged in the process by asking questions and becoming involved! While this is, of course, always the goal we have in mind for all of our young patients, we understand that many children feel quite nervous about the dental visit. In these situations, we make every effort to help them feel comfortable as they settle in and become acquainted with the dental process at our St. Augustine, FL, office!
Some of the ways we work to foster a positive environment for all children include the following:
- Getting to know the child by asking questions and taking interest in their unique personalities.
- Answering questions and providing information regarding what we are doing and why.
- Taking the time to read body language and understand the child’s emotions and when patience may be needed.
- Offering reassurance to the child in the form of gentle care, kindness, and compassion.
Although we make every effort to ensure your child is comfortable, sometimes some extra assistance is needed.
To learn more about our sedation dentistry options, please read below! If you have any questions, contact our friendly team members today!
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is used in dentistry to help relieve anxiety during your child’s dental procedure. It is a gas that they breathe in through a mask over their nose and it works by causing them to quickly feel relaxed. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide is quickly flushed from their system with pure oxygen, and they will return to feeling normal immediately. It is considered a very safe form of mild sedation, and it can be used on children of all ages.
IV Sedation
IV (intravenous) sedation is provided right in our pediatric dental office and is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. This option is best for healthy children that just need some help with cooperation. We can use nitrous oxide or pre-medication to get the child calm and comfortably asleep. Then an IV will be placed and monitored for continuous anesthesia administration during the dental procedure. The children maintain their own reflexes and breathing, and the anesthesiologist has the ability to custom-titrate the medications to safely produce the best effects. Children can return to normal school or play activity the very next day.
