Sedation Dentistry – Marietta, GA

Easing Your Child’s Dental Anxiety

Mother holding young daughter pointing to blue animated owl

Perhaps your child gets nervous around dentists. That’s normal enough – studies show roughly 10% of children have dental phobias. However, you wouldn’t want this fear to affect a kid’s oral health. Their teeth and gums would suffer in that case, leading to various long-term problems. Luckily, there’s a solution to such anxiety: sedation dentistry in Marietta. This service from Woodland Pediatric Dentistry keeps children calm for treatment. To learn more about it, just keep reading or call our office for details!

 

little girl receiving nitrous oxide sedation from her dentists

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide sedation is the most common form of sedation dentistry. Typically, dentists use it for kids with mild dental anxieties who only need a little help relaxing.

 

Per its name, this sedation has patients inhale nitrous oxide (i.e., “laughing gas”) through a nose mask. It causes feelings of calm and mild euphoria shortly after inhalation starts. However, the gas will leave your child alert enough to respond to dentist instructions.

 

A major benefit of nitrous oxide is its short duration. Once your child stops breathing it, the gas effects fade quickly. Consequently, kids who receive it can resume normal activities right after treatment.

A closeup of an IV drip

IV Sedation

IV sedation is used on children who have high anxiety, can’t tolerate dental procedures, or need extensive treatment. This option is fast-acting, non-traumatizing and makes patients fall asleep, so your child won’t remember the dental treatment. Our Anesthesia team further ensures safety by monitoring your child’s vitals during the procedure and post operatively.

For more information about sedation-assisted treatment, make an appointment with Dr. Sheh Vahid to discuss if this is an appropriate option for your child.

Learn More from the PDAA

A sedated child receiving dental care

Is My Child a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

In order to see if your child qualifies for IV sedation, please contact our office or schedule a consult visit .

 

Barring these concerns, a child may benefit from sedation if they have any of the following:

 

  • Mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety that interferes with dental care
  • Difficulty sitting in chairs for extended periods
  • A fear of needles
  • An overactive gag reflex
  • Past traumatic dental experiences
  • Extensive procedures requiring multiple appointments