How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Children’s Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Dental care for children is essential for protecting young teeth and ensuring they grow and stay strong into adulthood. Book your first dental visit soon after the first baby tooth appears and regularly follow up with our Princeton Pediatric Dentist. As you periodically visit our Princeton New Jersey office, we’ll help you find out whether your child is afraid of any procedure, has trouble staying still, or finds it difficult to go through the sessions. When this happens, we may recommend dentistry sedation. Usually, sedation is recommended for 

  • Very young kids who cannot stay still
  • Kids who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks when in a dentist’s office
  • Special needs children

During the session, the child can be put to sleep or given relaxation medication to make them comfortable. There are four types of sedation dentistry and the type chosen depends on your child’s dental needs, anxiety level, and the procedure duration. These include minimal, moderate, deep sedation and general anesthesia. 

Our Princeton Pediatric Dentist will advise you on the most appropriate sedation method and how to prepare for the session. 

What is the Difference between the Sedation Types?

With minimal sedation, the child will be awake but relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure and will remember the details afterward. When moderately sedated, they will still be awake but won’t remember much. When deeply sedated, the child will be asleep and will not have any recollection of the happenings, but with general anesthesia, they will be unconscious throughout the procedure. 

How Do You Prepare Your Child for Sedation Dentistry?

When making a booking at our Princeton, New Jersey office, we will advise you on the best ways to prepare your child for the procedure. You will also be informed on foods or drinks they might have to avoid before the visit. More importantly, it helps when you reassure the child and stay close to them in the dentist’s office. If possible, come with another family member or the entire family. We have enough room to accommodate everyone. 

Your child will be calmer when surrounded by family and things they love, such as their favorite toy. It also helps to talk to your child reassuringly, explain to them the importance of the procedure, and hold their hand if they are awake. When you take time to answer any questions the child may have and psychologically prepare them for the dentist’s visit, they will be calmer and better able to handle the procedure. 

At our Princeton, New Jersey office, you’ll get all the information you need on sedation dentistry. 

Is It Safe?

If it’s the first time a dentist recommends sedation dentistry, you may be worried about your child’s safety, but be assured that it’s a safe process that will benefit your child and yourself, too, as you won’t have to watch your child in distress. Before the procedure, we

  • Examine your child’s overall health
  • Check into their medical history 
  • Look into any medications they may be using

We are here to answer any questions you may have about sedation dentistry and explain the process until you are satisfied it’s the right choice for your child.