Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry makes it easy for your child to receive the oral health care they need without worrying about tantrums, trouble sitting still, or dental anxiety. At Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry in Largo and Seminole, Florida, board-certified pediatric dentist Nancy Montgomery-Easley, DMD, and her team offer several forms of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide and sleep dentistry. Call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office to schedule sedation dentistry for your child, or book their appointment online today.

How can I tell if my child will benefit from sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication like laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or intravenous (IV) sedation to help your child feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment.

Your child might benefit if they have:

• Fear of needles
• Dental anxiety
• Fear of visiting the dentist
• Extreme teeth sensitivity
• Difficulty sitting still
• Difficulty holding their mouth open

Sedation dentistry makes it easy for children with special needs to receive preventive and restorative oral health care. For example, if your child has behavioral, cognitive, or physical disabilities, sedation makes their experience less stressful.

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team offers several forms of sedation or sleep dentistry, including:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is inhaled through the nose and mouth. It works in minutes, helping your child feel calm and worry-free. Your child’s dentist controls the amount of sedation they receive during treatment and adjusts the gas flow as needed.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation uses a prescription medication like Halcion® to make your child feel drowsy. Your child takes the medication about an hour before their procedure. They might fall asleep during treatment, but their dentist can gently nudge them awake when needed.

Oral sedation lasts several hours, so your child might need to take the rest of the day off from school.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

The Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry team offers IV sedation for children with severe anxiety. IV sedation administers medication directly into your child’s bloodstream, causing them to fall asleep. Your child’s dentist adjusts the amount of medication as needed and monitors their vital signs throughout.

How does a child prepare for sedation dentistry?

Before recommending sedation dentistry, your child’s dentist completes an oral exam, takes digital X-rays, and asks about their medications and supplements. Let your child’s dentist know about prescription and over-the-counter medications. Certain drugs can interfere with the anesthetic, so the team must be aware.

Can my child return to school after sedation dentistry?

It depends. If your child undergoes sedation with nitrous oxide, they might be able to return to school afterward. But if they undergo oral or IV sedation, they must take the rest of the day off. It takes several hours for the medication to wear off. Have your child take it easy and encourage them to drink plenty of fluids.

Call the nearest Pinellas Pediatric Dentistry office to schedule a sedation dentistry appointment for your child, or book their visit online today.