Sedation Dentistry for Kids – New Britain, CT
Gentle & Compassionate Care for Young Smiles
Our team understands that dental visits can be challenging for children. For those who need extra support during treatment, we offer sedation dentistry as a solution. This safe and proven method helps create a comfortable, relaxed experience for both you and your child. To learn more about your child's sedation options, give us a call today.
Why Choose Us for Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
- Sedation options for select procedures
- Able to help all ages of children
- Calm & relaxed office atmosphere
Nitrous Oxide
Our New Britain dental team is committed to providing gentle, effective, and top-tier care for every patient. For certain dental procedures, we offer nitrous oxide as a comfort option to enhance your treatment experience. This safe and proven solution helps create a relaxed environment during your visit. To learn more about nitrous oxide and whether it's appropriate for your procedure, give our team a call or read on!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a safe, fast-acting sedation option that is easy to administer and wears off quickly, making it a great solution for patients of all ages. If your child struggles with:
- A fear of needles
- Difficulty sitting still in the treatment chair
- Dental sensitivity
our team can help determine whether nitrous oxide is a good fit for them. Our doctors carefully evaluate each case to ensure sedation is used appropriately, providing the most comfortable and effective care for every procedure
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
After your little one settles comfortably into the treatment chair, we will place a nose piece on them that administers the nitrous oxide. With the knobs, we can adjust the flow of the oxygen and nitrous oxide as needed, monitoring their vitals every step of the way. After a few minutes of breathing in the gas, your child will feel a wave of relaxation. At this point, we will begin their treatment. Once it’s complete, we will remove the mask and the effects will start to dissipate immediately.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Unlike other sedation options, the effects of nitrous oxide begin to fade as soon as the nose piece is removed. As a result, your child won’t have any prolonged drowsiness after their treatment or difficulty getting back to their day-to-day routine!
If you’d like to learn more about this calming option, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our New Britain sedation dentist. We’re here to answer any questions you have and help your child have the anxiety-free treatment they deserve!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
How long does dental sedation last?
One of the many benefits of nitrous oxide is that the effects dissipate as quickly as they come on. As a result, your child doesn’t need to miss school or any extracurricular activities for the rest of the day! Just make sure they abide by any aftercare instructions we provide pertaining to the care they receive, like rinsing with warm saltwater periodically or sticking to extremely soft foods, like plain yogurt.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Usually, dental sedation is classified as a “luxury,” and, as a result, is not covered by dental insurance providers. With that said, there are some exceptions. For example, if your child has a disability, like cerebral palsy, that makes it virtually impossible for them to get the dental treatment they need without it, then the cost may be covered. Similarly, if your child needs extensive care, like multiple tooth extractions, then you may not need to pay for the cost entirely out of pocket.
Can dental sedation make you sick?
Since nitrous oxide is so mild, it’s quite rare for patients to experience nausea. With that said, don’t hesitate to let us know if your child is already prone to feeling sick. If that’s the case, we may ask them to fast in the hours prior to their appointment or provide them with an anti-nausea drug.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Since dental sedation is often depicted as a truth serum in TV shows and movies, many patients wonder what they can expect while their child is under the effects of nitrous oxide. Rest assured, it’s very unlikely for them to say or do anything unusual. In fact, most patients are so relaxed that they doze off in the treatment chair!
Does my child need to fast before their appointment?
Oftentimes, the answer is “yes.” However, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to our sedation dentist in New Britain if you have any questions. That way, they can share how to set your child up for success, like scheduling their appointment first thing in the morning if they do need to fast.
Is my child a candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is extremely helpful for patients who have special needs, a fear of needles, a sensitive gag reflex, and mild to moderate dental anxiety. With that said, it isn’t ideal for everyone. For example, if your child is allergic or has a breathing condition, like asthma, then nitrous oxide is not ideal. If that’s the case, then we will work together to find another way to give them the calm, positive, and comfortable experience they deserve at our office.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
This is a very common question, particularly among parents who need to pay for the cost of sedation dentistry completely out of pocket. Of course, the decision is ultimately up to you. However, calming solutions like nitrous oxide have helped countless patients get the dental care they need without the stress, anxiety, and fear, creating a more positive association with the dentist. So, the answer is a resounding “yes” for the large majority!