At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is that every one of our young patients has a wonderfully positive experience every time they visit our office. We understand that some children feel anxious about getting the dental care they need. That’s why we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry options to help even our most anxious and fearful patients relax.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Help?

Sedation dentistry is a game-changer when it comes to pediatric dental care. It allows us to efficiently and safely treat our young patients while taking the edge off dental visits and significantly reduces the risk of injury. Sedation is beneficial for children who have difficulty sitting still during high-precision dental procedures, especially complex or lengthy ones. It is also helpful for toddlers, young kids, children with high anxiety levels, and children with special needs. Sedation helps guide cooperative behavior, prevents spontaneous movement, and allows for safe and anxiety-free dental care.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most common form of sedation used in pediatric dentistry to provide anxiety-free dental care. Your child will breathe in a combination of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen through a small mask and will remain awake and responsive throughout treatment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends nitrous oxide sedation as a safe and effective way to help children relax and sit still during dental procedures. This mild sedation option is highly effective in helping even our most fearful little patients relax.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves the use of oral medication to relax your child during treatment. It is beneficial for children with high anxiety levels or those who find it challenging to sit still for lengthy periods. It is also indicated for very young children who can’t follow directions, for kids requiring extensive dental treatment, and for our young patients with special needs. Your child will become very relaxed and may even drift off into a light sleep, but will stay responsive and can be easily awakened.

General Anesthesia

At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, we only recommend general anesthesia when necessary. It is helpful for young children or toddlers needing complex and lengthy treatments, as well as for children with heightened anxiety, kids who are medically compromised, or those with special needs. It also helps relax children requiring extensive dental work completed on multiple teeth.

Your child will be fast asleep during the entire procedure and won’t remember any of it, which will alleviate any fear of future dental care. Our dental anesthesiologist will closely monitor your child’s vital signs to ensure a safe and positive experience.

We also see cases under general anesthesia at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for those children who have complex medical history or have special needs. 

Gentle Pediatric Dentistry in Glendale, AZ

Contact Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our anxiety-free dentistry options. Our skilled and kid-friendly team never spares any effort to ensure our young patients receive the best possible care with the least amount of discomfort or anxiety. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today.