Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry for children? Why would anyone need that?

Children can often feel nervous about going to the dentist. The environment is unfamiliar. Opening their mouths can make them feel vulnerable. And if procedures aren’t explained to them properly, even a cleaning might seem terrifying.

That is why everyone at The Smile Place does everything they can to create an environment that is safe, nurturing, gentle, and more than anything, FUN! We all know that for kids, fun can overcome a lot of fears and anxieties.

Not only can your children play games in our game tower and watch their favorite shows while we check their teeth, everyone here really likes kids and is trained to understand their unique needs and feelings. Our team has a talent for connecting with kids on their level, and we always encourage communication and ask the kids how they are doing throughout any procedure.

Parents are also encouraged to come back to the treatment room with their children. It helps reduce anxiety, creates a more relaxed mood, and gives us a great opportunity for educating both parents and children.

But even with all of these preparations and our most gentle and caring approach, some children continue to be nervous. Children with special needs or children who have strong gag reflexes can also find dentistry difficult. That’s when sedation dentistry can really become helpful.

If you think your child might be a candidate for sedation dentistry, ask yourself these questions:

• Has my child had a bad dental experience in the past?
• Does my child seem upset at the mention of a dental appointment?
• Is my child restless, fidgety, or diagnosed with ADHD?
• Does my child have a very strong gag reflex?
• Is my child developmentally unable to understand and follow instructions?

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, please feel free to give us a call. We can explain how dental anesthesia can make your child’s dentistry painless and easy.