Being afraid or anxious about an upcoming visit to the dentist is not something that is unique or exclusive to children. Adults and children alike face anxiety or fear of the dentist. It is, however, much more common for a child to experience this. Unfamiliar sounds, sights, and people can make children reluctant when it comes time for their dental appointment. When you visit Drs. Thomas J. Rolfes, Christina T. Do, and Timothy J. Rolfes at Smiles4OC in Costa Mesa, California, we understand that children may not be in a good place emotionally when visiting us. This is especially true for children who are new to our office or who don’t see the dentist often. That is why we offer solutions like pediatric sedation dentistry for such situations.

Here are some common myths you may have heard regarding sedation dentistry for children.

Dental Sedation Is Only for Children Who Are Scared of Pain

While the use of dental sedation on children comes as a great help to those who are afraid of any pain which may be part of their procedure, there are several other applications as well. Sedation is great for children who have difficulty sitting still throughout a lengthy procedure or for those who may have a gag reflex. Dental sedation is a valid option for parents seeking a smooth visit to the dentist for their children.

Dental Sedation Is Not Safe for Children

There is a myth that many parents may have heard concerning nitrous oxide sedation being unsafe for children when visiting the dentist. This is simply not true. Before any sedation is considered, your child’s dentist will ensure they are a viable candidate for such therapy. Only then will sedation be approved. Multiple forms of sedation are also available, and your child’s dentist will ensure that only the right one is used. Sedation therapy is a wonderful option for children who are about to undergo invasive dental procedures.

Sedation Requires a Prick of The Needle

Almost all children have a fear of needles. This fear often prevents children and adults alike from visiting the dentist as regularly as they should. Thankfully, not all forms of sedation require an injection. This makes nitrous oxide sedation especially effective for children. There is zero pain, and no needle prick is needed to administer this form of sedation.

Sedation Is for Adults Only

Despite what you may have heard, sedation dentistry is not restricted based on your age group. Anybody, child or adult, can benefit from sedation dentistry. Sleep sedation helps children who may have extreme anxiety while undergoing dental treatment. Lighter sedation options, like nitrous oxide, are great if a child only needs to relax while getting a dental cleaning or other minor treatment. The options are vast, and your child’s dentist will determine which form of sedation is best for your child and situation.

You Will Fall Asleep Immediately

The dental sedation experience may differ from that of somebody else who has undergone the exact same treatment. This also applies to children. Different levels of sedation are available to children, none of which will make them completely unaware of what is happening. Sedation is meant to block any pain or anxiety experienced during a procedure and should not knock your child out completely.

If you would like to talk more about sedation options for children, please call our Costa Mesa, CA office today at (714) 557-0700.

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