Do dental checkups cause your child worry or anxiety? This can make the experience unpleasant for them and you and can make it difficult for them to get their necessary treatments. As a result, their oral health could suffer. To help your little one feel at ease during their visit and keep their smile healthy, your Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock offers sedation options. Today, we will discuss when this can be used and explore the various types available for our patients.

Signs That Your Little One Has Dental-Related Anxiety

Fear of the dentist is a very common phobia that patients face. This could be due to bad past experiences, overstimulation, or worry about judgment. Steps such as beginning visits at an early age and finding a team that works well for your family can help prevent this issue. However, there are occasions in which this anxiety remains. If your child seems distressed or withdrawn during their appointment, it could be a sign of dentophobia. This can make even simple checkups overwhelming to your young one. As a result, it can be difficult to get their teeth cleaned and examined, which could lead to needing more restorative work in the future.

To help keep your child comfortable during their checkups, techniques to lower anxiety and relax can be used. Make sure to also practice open communication with your child and their dental team to help cope with this fear. In some cases, dental-related anxiety may go away over time after consistent visits and practicing coping strategies.

Finding The Best Option For Your Needs

There are several types of sedation options available depending on the patient’s needs and health history. Your dentist can help guide you through these options and determine the most suitable one for your needs. The most common type is nitrous oxide or laughing gas. This will last for the length of the appointment and help your child feel at ease. This may be used for minimally invasive restorations like fillings.

Options such as oral sedation or general anesthesia are also available. Oral sedation is taken before the procedure to help them feel relaxed throughout the visit. An anesthesiologist will work with your dentist to determine the proper dosage for this option. This will take factors such as age, weight, and health history into account. Oral sedation may be used for more extensive procedures, such as tooth extractions or root canals. General anesthesia is often recommended for patients with severe anxiety. With this, the patient will “go under” during the treatment time. They will not be awake for the duration of their visit.

Learn More About Your Options Today

To discuss sedation options for your child, call Pediatric Dentistry of Round Rock at 512-733-5311. We offer preventive care for kids, restorations, and more.