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Sedation Dentistry for Kids in Oradell, NJ

One of the unsung heroes of dentistry is sedation. For many patients, sedation is necessary to help them relax during particularly stressful procedures such as tooth extraction. But patients can even fear sedation, so they need to understand sedation dentistry.

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sedation dentistry for kids
early prevention

Too Many Kids Are Afraid of Visiting the Dentist

Is your kid dreading the dentist, worried it’ll hurt? Are their teeth troubles getting worse because they’re scared to sit in the dentist’s chair?

Does the thought of a dental visit scare your child more than the toothache itself? Maybe they’re even missing regular check-ups or shrugging off tooth pain because they’re anxious?

Fear shouldn’t get in the way of your child’s healthy smile! Don’t let dental worries block their path to a perfect smile and contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Your Child Will Love Visiting Us!

Sedation dentistry is the process of helping patients relax and feel no pain by providing them with a type of sedation. Sedation not only keeps kids calm so the dentist can do their job, but they could also potentially sleep right through their procedure; or at the very least not remember it.

There are different types of sedation, so finding what is right for your child will give you options to consider next time your child needs dental work. Dr. Engel and the Kinder Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team in Bergen County, New Jersey, are here to help you learn about sedation.

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No More Dental Anxiety in Three Easy Steps!

Step 1
Call

Give our Oradell office a call to schedule your child’s appointment.

Step 2
Relax

Your child will be comfortable and relaxed throughout their treatment, using the best sedation methods.

Step 3
Smile

Your child will love visiting us now and in the future, because they will have had a great experience.

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Providing Pediatric Dental Care for Your Child

When it comes time to finding a new dental home for your child, we know you have many choices – and probably just as many questions. At KinderSmiles, we take pride in providing our patients with a comfortable environment where they are attended by qualified doctors and staff who excel in their fields. Our team is led by Dr. Darryl Engel and Dr. Veronica Choi. Dr. Engel has worked alongside some of the greatest minds in pediatric dentistry and pediatric medicine, and Dr. Choi has received rigorous training in all aspects of pediatric dentistry to provide comprehensive and individualized oral health to all children.

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Sedation Dentistry Options at KinderSmiles

At KinderSmiles, we use multiple different methods of sedation to help our patients relax.

Nitrous Oxide or Laughing Gas

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a great way to help keep your child relaxed during their visit. We’ll pop a comfy mask over their nose, they take some deep breaths, and they’ll start to feel all light and tingly.

The gas kicks in fast, making them feel a bit like they’re floating and numbing them out. They’ll still be awake and know what’s going on, but way more mellow and maybe even giggly – that’s why it’s called laughing gas.

It’s extremely safe, and we use it for all sorts of stuff, from simple cleanings to more complex procedures.

Oral Sedation

An alternative sedative option is oral sedation, where we provide a prescription medication that causes drowsiness prior to the dental work. Should you opt for oral sedation for your child, we will issue the necessary prescription. This sedation method requires the patient to fast beforehand, so scheduling the appointment for the morning is advisable.

 

IV Sedation

Should your child require to be fully asleep for a procedure, like oral surgery, IV sedation is one of the best options. We’ll place an IV line into a vein, typically at the bend of the arm, to administer a constant stream of sedative medication that ensures the patient remains asleep throughout the procedure. Vital signs and respiration will be carefully monitored for the duration of the surgery. Similar to oral sedation, fasting for several hours prior is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Many patients have a lot of questions. We took some time to compile the most frequently asked questions below. If you have questions not included, please ask the doctor during your appointment.

Is Sedation Painful?
Patients will not feel pain during sedation. At most, there will be a little pressure and prick as we insert an IV line into the arm. Dentists use a combination of sedation and local anesthetic to keep patients pain-free.
Will Sedation Make Me Fall Asleep?
Oral sedation could result in patients falling asleep, and IV sedation is meant to make patients fall asleep. Laughing gas does not make you fall asleep.
Does the Dentist Need Certification to Use Sedation?
Dentists must complete a special program about deep sedation to earn certification allowing them to use IV sedation. You can be confident knowing that your dentist has the necessary training to sedate you or your child using any method.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Children?
Nitrous oxide has been proven safe for children and adults. It’s the best form of sedation to keep children calm if necessary. Dr. Engel will never sedate your child without your permission.
How Long Does Sedation Last?
Sedation can last anywhere from a few to several hours, depending on the procedure you need. Drowsiness and lightheadedness can remain for a few hours after the procedure. That’s why adult patients should arrange for someone to drive them home afterward.
Are There Any Side-Effects of Sedation?
Patients often feel drowsy or lightheaded after sedation. Patients also commonly report headaches, nausea, and dry mouth. These side-effects are typical and usually go away after a few hours.
Can I Eat or Drink After Sedation?
We recommend that patients wait for a few hours for sedation to wear off before resuming eating and drinking. Stick with clear non-alcoholic liquids like water or ginger-ale. If you are still hungry after the sedation wears off, stick with softer foods like pudding or yogurt.
What Is the Cost of Sedation?
The cost of laughing gas and oral medications for sedation can cost between $200 and $300 in addition to the cost of your dental procedure. The cost of IV sedation and general anesthesia will be higher. However, these costs are included in the total price. There are often payment options available, and dental insurance may cover part of the cost.
Can I Request Sedation?
You can request sedation if you think it’s best. However, dentists will usually offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Parental permission is a requirement before we will sedate your child.