What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the process of using medications that help kids relax during dental treatment. Basically, it helps increase cooperation and reduces anxiety and discomfort during the course of the treatment. We use the following 3 types of sedation –
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the weakest sedative used in pediatric dentistry. But, it is effective! It is first mixed with oxygen before asking the patients to inhale the oxygen-nitrogen mixture through a mask. Usually, the mask is scented and fitted over the nose. However, you should take note that nitrous oxide is not for putting a patient to sleep. It basically puts the patient in a relaxed state. Dr Mc. Donald says it is useful for reducing anxietyand unnecessary movements toward dental treatment. She further says that it increasescooperation during longer procedures.
Oral Conscious Sedation
When nitrous oxide is not enough, oral conscious sedation treatment does it. It helps increase cooperation of the kids and reduces anxiety and discomfort during a dental treatment. A child is first asked to drink a liquid medication brewed depending on the child’s overall health and anxiety level. After consuming it, most children become relaxed and drowsy. Again, this type of sedation is not used to put a patient in an unconscious or unresponsive state. However, there are some children who do not experience relaxation, but face a completely opposite reaction. Our doctor says that these are sometimes common side effects of medicines and may prevent us from performing the dental treatment. Whatever the case is, our experienced staff would take care of it.
General Anesthesia
General anaesthesia is the last step that we adopt. Young children who suffer from a high level of anxiety or require special care may require their dental treatment to complete under general anaesthesia. We also recommend this process to children who are suffering from extensive decay.
General anaesthesia completely shuts down the voluntary muscular activities and puts your child to sleep. The process looks the same as that of a tonsil removal surgery. The dental procedure is entirely performed under an ideal setting and eliminates the lifelong fear of visiting a dentist. Once all the cavities are removed, good oral diet and habits are recommended to the patients. This way, your kid gets completely treated.
Our office offers general anaesthesia in our Bradley office, as well as, in a hospital setting.
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Testimonials
Our Parent Reviews
Roberta Wickman
Dominick was back at Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Bradley this morning! I really cannot say enough about how amazing they are. The hygienist meet with me first thing and already knew about his cyclic vomiting and asked my input about triggers. The doctor spoke with me regarding the oral surgeon and will continue to personally follow up. They are extremely professional but more than that they really care. First complete teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment in seven years and definitely no trauma!!! Very impressive!!!!
Makayla Varvell
My kid's fist time at the dentist and they did great! I would recommend joyful smiles to anybody!!!! I don't remember her name but she has short blonde hair she did great with my daughter! She has beyond paitence I'll be definitely going back because of her and of course Dr. McDonald!!!!
Legendary Seeker
The best experience my child has had yet
Jessica Billingsley
Jessica, patient experience and satisfaction is our number one priority. We are sorry you had a difficult time scheduling. Someone from our patient experience team will be contacting you shortly. Thanks for your feedback.
