Pediatric Sedation DentistryIn Manhattan Beach
What is Sedation Dentistry?
At Toothlings Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some children need extra help feeling comfortable during dental visits. Dental sedation provides a safe, effective way to help anxious or fearful children receive the dental care they need. Dr. Grant has extensive training and experience in pediatric sedation, and will work closely with your family to determine the most appropriate sedation option for your child's unique needs.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Reduced Anxiety
Sedation helps children feel calm and relaxed during their dental visit, making the experience more positive and setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Improved Cooperation
For children who have difficulty sitting still or following instructions, sedation allows them to receive necessary treatment safely and comfortably.
Better Treatment Outcomes
When children are relaxed and comfortable, your pediatric dentist in Manhattan Beach can work more efficiently and effectively, ensuring the best possible results from their dental treatment.
Reduced Anxiety
Sedation helps children feel calm and relaxed during their dental visit, making the experience more positive and setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Improved Cooperation
For children who have difficulty sitting still or following instructions, sedation allows them to receive necessary treatment safely and comfortably.
Better Treatment Outcomes
When children are relaxed and comfortable, your pediatric dentist in Manhattan Beach can work more efficiently and effectively, ensuring the best possible results from their dental treatment.
How We Can Help
At Toothlings, your child's comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Dr. Grant and our team are dedicated to providing the prompt, compassionate emergency care your family deserves.
Nitrous oxide is a mild, safe form of sedation that helps children feel relaxed and at ease during their treatment. This sweet-smelling gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small nose mask. The effects wear off quickly after treatment, allowing your child to return to normal activities immediately.
Benefits of nitrous oxide:
- Quick onset and recovery
- Conscious and able to respond during treatment
- No lingering after-effects
- Ideal for mild to moderate anxiety
For children who need extensive treatment, have special healthcare needs, or experience severe anxiety, general anesthesia may be recommended. Under general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep and comfortable during their dental procedure. Dr. Grant works with highly qualified anesthesiologists to ensure your child's safety throughout the process.
Benefits of general anesthesia:
- Complete comfort during treatment
- No memory of the procedure
- Ideal for complex treatments
- Perfect for children with special needs or severe anxiety
Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Grant will conduct a thorough examination of your child’s teeth to identify areas of decay and determine if SDF is the appropriate treatment. Not every cavity can be effectively treated this way, however this assessment ensures that we choose the best approach for your child’s specific needs.
Prepare the Tooth
The decayed teeth are gently cleaned and dried to prepare them for the SDF application. This step ensures that the solution adheres properly and can effectively address the decay.
Application of SDF
Using a small brush, Dr. Grant will carefully apply the SDF solution to the affected areas. The process is quick and painless, allowing your child to remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on your child’s needs, additional applications may be required at future appointments to ensure the lasting success of the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, when used in combination with local anesthetic, your child will be completely comfortable throughout their treatment. With nitrous oxide, they'll feel relaxed but aware, while under general anesthesia, they'll be fully asleep and pain-free.
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within minutes of removing the mask. For general anesthesia, your child will need time to recover under our supervision, and we'll provide detailed post-operative care instructions.
We'll provide detailed instructions before your child's appointment, including guidelines about eating and drinking. For general anesthesia, we'll conduct a thorough pre-operative evaluation and discuss any concerns you may have.
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by qualified professionals like Dr. Grant. We carefully screen each patient, follow strict safety protocols, and use advanced monitoring equipment throughout the procedure.