When to Choose Sedation Dentistry

If visiting pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas brings fear to you or your child, it may be time to consider a dentist that offers sedation dentistry. With this service, it is possible to get your child to relax when in the dentist's chair.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

Often referred to as ‘sleep dentistry,’ this statement is not entirely accurate. Through the use of a sedation medication, patients are usually awake during their procedures and in a relaxed state. Sedation can be used for almost any dental procedure that your child may be anxious about, and is available at some of the best pediatric dentists in Sugar Land offices.

Levels of sedation available include:

• Minimal: This involves the patient breathing in nitrous oxide--commonly known as laughing gas-- that allows the body to relax, but keeps the patient awake throughout the procedure.
• Moderate: This type of sedation used to be referred to as ‘conscious sedation,’ and leaves the patient with few memories of the work performed. Moderate sedation can be delivered orally with a pill taken approximately an hour before the procedure, or through an IV with the levels of the drug administered adjusted throughout the procedure.
• Deep Sedation: This allows the patient to be on the edge of consciousness, but they can still be easily awakened. Some people also classify general anesthesia in this category, however, when under a general anesthetic, you cannot be easily awakened until it wears off. Patients who undergo any deep sedation will be groggy after the procedure, but will have little to no memory of the work that took place.

Pediatric Dentists in Sugar Land, Texas Provide Sedation to Ease Anxiety

Children who suffer from dental anxiety are perfect candidates for sedation dentistry. Others who may be prime candidates include those with a low threshold for pain, children who have a hard time sitting still throughout a procedure, those with sensitive teeth, children with an overactive gag reflex, or a child who needs a large amount of dental work performed.As the best pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Dr. Nasha Hunter is trained to administer all levels of sedation to her pediatric patients. If your child has a fear of the dentist chair, but needs to have some work done, call her office today to learn more about the type of sedation dentistry we offer.Find them at http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/