Does your child experience fear or anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist? Our team understands dental anxiety is a very real condition that can prevent patients from receiving the care they need. As a pediatric dental team, we understand children also tend to have a heightened fear of dentists. That's why Dr. Michael K. Wilkerson in Boerne, Texas, offers gentle sedation dentistry, to help our young patients relax and feel at ease!
Sedation dentistry may benefit children who experience fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist, are resistant to receiving treatment, have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, or have trouble getting numb from anesthetics.
Our sedation dentist options are particularly beneficial for children with trouble sitting still or needing more complex procedures. It allows treatment to be completed quickly, efficiently, and uninterrupted!
Sedation dentistry allows Dr. Wilkerson to provide dental treatment safely and comfortably for children who have special needs or may experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. Benefits of sedation dentistry include:
- Relaxing and calming patients
- Minimizing fear or anxiety during treatment
- Ability to perform more treatments in less time
- Cost-effective therapy
- Patient has no sense of time while under sedation
- Patient has no sense of time while under sedation
- More extensive or invasive procedures are possible using sedation
- More positive experiences for the child, which also leads to positive future dental visits!
Levels of Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law and there are three sedative states that Dr. Wilkerson can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation. These levels include:
Mild Sedation (Laughing Gas)
The lightest form of sedation dentistry is often used for children with mild anxiety and who are undergoing quicker procedures. Mild sedation is usually administered through a nose piece that delivers laughing gas. Your child will be able to breathe normally and will remain awake, with a great sense of relaxation, throughout the procedure. The effects of laughing gas are quickly reversed by delivering oxygen for a couple minutes. Recovery from mild sedation, is quick so your child can resume normal activities immediately after their dental visit.
Moderate Sedation (Oral Conscious Sedation)
Also known as conscious sedation, your child will remain awake throughout the procedure, but will be in a deeper state of relaxation. This is used for patients with moderate dental anxiety, or patients who may need longer or more complex procedures. About an hour before the appointment, your child will drink an oral sedative to allow your child fully relaxed by the time treatment is delivered.
Deep Sedation
At The Kids Place, patients receiving deep sedation go to sleep and often have no recollection of the treatment and are unaware during the entire procedure. Deep sedation is delivered by an anesthesiologist who monitors the patient while the dentist provides dental treatment.
Safe Treatment in Less Time
For children who have trouble sitting still for a long time, or if a more lengthy, complex dental procedure is necessary, sedation dentistry allows treatment to be completed quickly, efficiently, and uninterrupted, which saves time and need to book additional appointments.
If your child is sensitive to a gag reflex, sedation dentistry can help diminish the sensation of choking or the urge to throw up. Controlling the gag reflex not only makes the patient more comfortable, but helps Dr. Wilkerson perform the procedure smoothly and safely.
Sedation Dentistry for Special Needs Children
Some children may have difficulty holding still during a dental procedure due to emotional, physical, or behavioral disorders. Dental sedation may be recommended for patients with special needs, to allow the procedure to be completed quickly, safely and comfortably for the patient.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry in Boerne, TX
Dental sedation can help children feel more relaxed and less fearful during their dental exam or treatment. If you think your child can benefit from sedation dentistry, call our office today! Dr. Wilkerson offers a selection of controlled, customized sedation techniques to help our young patients stay calm and relaxed during dental exams and procedures.