Sedation Dentistry For Kids in Roanoke, VA
Enjoy a Calm, Comfortable Visit
Going to the dentist can be an intimidating experience for children, but at We Care Dental Care, Dr. Burkitt is changing the way both kids and adults think of dental appointments. We provide everything you’ll need for a smooth, enjoyable visit, including sedation dentistry. Sedation helps keep your child comfortable and relaxed, and we offer personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs. Whether your little one has a minor case of nerves or they will be undergoing a longer treatment, feel free to ask us about our sedation options during your appointment!
What is Laughing Gas and Is it suitable for my Child?
Laughing gas is a sedative that makes patients feel euphoric and calm. This option is ideal for children who may be slightly nervous about their dental appointment. Laughing gas is easily administered through a comfortable mask during your child’s treatment, and it wears off very quickly after the mask is removed. This means that you and your little one can enjoy the rest of your day as you normally would once your child’s treatment is complete.
What is Oral Conscious sedation for Children?
If your child is very fearful or has trouble sitting still for a longer dental procedure, oral conscious sedation may be the right choice. Oral conscious sedation will make your child feel very sleepy and relaxed during treatment, and they may not remember their procedure afterwards. Your child may feel groggy for several hours post-treatment, so plan the rest of your day accordingly! If you think your child would benefit from oral conscious sedation, give us a call or ask Dr. Burkitt about our sedation options during your next appointment.
Which Sedation Option Is Right for My Child?
This depends on the procedure your child will receive, their age, level of anxiety, and a number of other factors. Since there are many things to consider when recommending sedation options, Dr. Burkitt will get to know more about your child and their anxiety levels during your appointment. Then, he’ll explain the benefits of each sedation option as it relates to your child’s particular needs. Dr. Burkitt will always take the time to help you choose the best sedation method to ensure that your child feels comfortable and secure throughout their entire procedure.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
As an experienced, kid-focused dentist, Dr. Burkitt will help you understand the details of each sedation option, and give honest advice to help you decide what’s right for you and your child. Don’t let nervousness or anxiety prevent your child from getting the dental care they need. Schedule an appointment at (540) 427-7274, or come to our office at 3433 Orange Ave NE, Suite A1, Roanoke, VA 24012.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For My Child?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe for children of all ages. Dr. Burkitt has a lot of experience treating kids with sedation, including both laughing gas sedation and oral conscious sedation. Major complications are extremely rare for both of these methods of sedation, so you don’t have to worry about a thing at your dentist in Roanoke, VA.
Before your child’s appointment, we will discuss their health history, medications, and supplements they’re taking with you, in order to ensure that they can be sedated safely. We will take every possible precaution to ensure a smooth and easy sedation dentistry process.
In addition to this, Dr. Burkitt and our clinical team will be monitoring your child’s vital signs and condition throughout their entire appointment. In the exceedingly rare case that there is a problem, we will be able to react properly and take action to ensure the best possible outcome.
So don’t worry. Your child is in good hands at We Care Dental Care, and if you have any more questions or concerns about the safety of sedation dentistry, you can get in touch with Dr. Benjamin Burkitt for a consultation and get more information.
How Long Will The Effects Of Sedation Last?
This is entirely dependent on the method of sedation used for your child at our office.
Nitrous oxide sedation is our preferred method of sedation for most kids, since it wears off very quickly. Once your child’s procedure is over, Dr. Burkitt will adjust the flow of gas to send pure oxygen into their lungs. They will breathe in the oxygen, which will flush out the nitrous oxide and reduce the intensity of its after-effects.
Your child will feel completely normal after about 5 minutes, though they may experience some minor side effects like a headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea for a little while after their procedure.
Oral conscious sedation lasts a lot longer. Depending on your child’s age, weight, or metabolism, its after-effects can last up to 4-6 hours or longer.
Your child’s memory, decision-making ability, and overall mental state may be affected for this period of time, and they will likely experience some nausea, discomfort, or dizziness. They may also forget what happened during their procedure. This is called “anterograde amnesia,” and it’s a normal, common side effect.
What Aftercare Does My Child Need?
This depends on the type of sedation that your child gets at We Care Dental Care. After nitrous oxide sedation, your child can resume their normal day-to-day activities right away, and you don’t have to provide them with any special aftercare. Its effects usually last only a few minutes. You can even take them back to school, so this is a great option for kids with busy schedules.
However, the same is not true of oral conscious sedation. We usually will keep your child in our office for up to 1 hour after their appointment to ensure there are no serious side effects, then you and your little one will be sent home.
The pill or liquid sedative used to sedate your child lasts a lot longer, so we recommend that you take your child home, and allow them to rest and relax for the rest of the day. After oral conscious sedation, your child may feel groggy and drowsy, and experience nausea or sluggishness. This is normal.