Is Your Child Anxious About the Dentist? Dr. Grivas Explains Pediatric Sedation 
Going to the dentist can be scary for kids. You’re not alone if you live in Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, or Citrus Heights and have a child who feels anxious about dental visits. Dr. Scott Grivas, a trusted Sacramento sedation dentist, offers various sedation dentistry options to help make your child’s dental experience comfortable and stress-free.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about pediatric sedation dentistry. You can also learn more by calling our Sacramento dental practice at (916) 929-9222.
What is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
Pediatric sedation dentistry uses safe medications to help children stay relaxed during dental procedures. It’s especially helpful for:
- Children who feel anxious or scared about dental visits
- Kids who have trouble sitting still for long periods
- Young patients who need multiple procedures done
- Children with special needs
- Kids who have had negative dental experiences in the past
Long-Term Benefits
Choosing sedation dentistry for your child can:
- Prevent the development of dental fears
- Make future visits easier
- Ensure necessary treatment is completed
- Build trust with dental professionals
- Create positive associations with dental care
- Lead to better oral health habits
Available Sedation Options
Dr. Grivas offers several types of sedation, each carefully chosen based on your child’s specific needs:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation available for children. During treatment, your child will breathe the gas through a small, comfortable mask that fits over their nose. This gentle sedation creates pleasant feelings of happiness and relaxation while allowing your child to remain fully awake and responsive.
One of the major benefits of nitrous oxide is how quickly it wears off after treatment – once the mask is removed, the effects dissipate within minutes. Your child can return to normal activities immediately after leaving the office, making this option perfect for children with mild anxiety or those undergoing shorter procedures.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves giving your child a flavored liquid medication before their dental procedure begins. This method creates a deeper sense of relaxation than nitrous oxide while still allowing your child to stay awake and responsive throughout treatment. While under oral sedation, your child will feel very calm and may become slightly drowsy.
Because the effects take longer to wear off compared to nitrous oxide, oral sedation works particularly well for longer procedures or children with moderate anxiety. Parents should plan for their child to rest at home after treatment until the sedation effects fully subside.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation delivers medication directly through a small IV line, providing a deeper level of relaxation than oral options. Throughout the entire procedure, our trained professionals carefully monitor your child’s vital signs and comfort level. IV sedation offers quick onset and allows us to precisely control the level of sedation throughout treatment.
This method is especially beneficial for longer procedures or children with severe anxiety. Because IV sedation requires more preparation beforehand and a longer recovery period afterward, we’ll provide detailed instructions to help you plan appropriately for the day of treatment.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia allows your child to sleep completely throughout their dental procedure. This type of sedation takes place in a hospital or surgical center setting under the care of specialized medical professionals. We recommend general anesthesia when extensive dental work is needed or for children with special needs who may not tolerate other sedation methods.
This option requires the most thorough preparation before treatment and the longest recovery time afterward. We reserve general anesthesia for situations where other sedation options would not be suitable for providing for your child’s comfort and safety during necessary dental procedures.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: The Step-by-Step Process
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Grivas and his team will:
- Conduct a complete medical history review
- Engage in a thorough discussion of your child’s specific needs and concerns
- Provide a detailed explanation of available sedation options suitable for your child
- Offer comprehensive instructions for preparation
Preparation Steps
To prepare for the appointment, parents should:
- Follow specific eating and drinking guidelines provided by Dr. Grivas’s office. These instructions are crucial for your child’s safety during sedation
- Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing to provide comfort throughout the procedure
- Bring their favorite comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, to help them feel secure
- Plan for transportation home, as your child may be groggy after the procedure.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest before the appointment to help them feel more relaxed
Arrival
Upon arrival at Dr. Grivas’s Sacramento dental office:
- Friendly staff will welcome you and your child, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
- The team will review pre-appointment instructions to confirm all guidelines were followed
- You’ll be able to ask any final questions before the procedure begins
- Your child’s vital signs will be checked to ensure they’re in good health for the sedation
Sedation Administration
The sedation process involves:
- Careful delivery of the chosen sedation method by Dr. Grivas or a specialized team member
- Constant monitoring of vital signs throughout the entire procedure
- Parent presence as appropriate, depending on the type of sedation and your child’s needs
- Professional supervision by a highly trained team throughout the entire process
Dental Treatment
During the dental treatment:
- The necessary procedures will be performed while your child is in a relaxed state
- Continuous monitoring for your child’s safety and comfort
- Multiple procedures may be completed in a single visit if needed, maximizing efficiency
- Emergency equipment will always be ready, though rarely needed
Recovery Period
Following the dental procedure:
- Your child will be monitored in a comfortable recovery space
- They will gradually return to alertness under professional supervision
- Vital signs will be checked regularly to maintain a smooth recovery
- Clear signs of recovery will be confirmed before your child is released to go home
Going Home
Before leaving the practice:
- Dr. Grivas or a team member will provide detailed aftercare instructions
- You’ll receive written guidelines outlining what to expect in the hours and days following the procedure
- Emergency contact information will be given in case you have any concerns
- The practice will schedule a follow-up call for the next day to check on your child’s progress
Safety Measures
Dr. Grivas’s practice maintains the highest safety standards:
- State-of-the-art monitoring equipment
- The staff undergoes specialized training in pediatric sedation dentistry
- Regular emergency response training is conducted to prepare for any potential situations
- Strict protocols are followed for all procedures to maintain consistency and safety
- A careful screening process is implemented to determine the most appropriate sedation method for each child
- Emergency equipment is always on-site and ready for use if needed
If you’re considering sedation dentistry for your child or have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Dr. Grivas’s Sacramento dental practice at (916) 929-9222 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards stress-free dental care for your child. Your child’s healthy, beautiful smile is just a phone call away.
Tips for Parents
Preparing Your Child
- Talk positively about the visit: Give your child something to look forward to and avoid using scary words that may make the appointment more stressful for them.
- Read children’s books about dental visits: Your child may feel less anxious about their upcoming appointment if they have visuals to make them more familiar with the situation.
- Answer questions honestly but simply: Children will naturally have questions about anything unfamiliar. These questions should be answered truthfully, but don’t overcomplicate the answer. Keep it on their level.
- Stay calm yourself: Kids can pick up on their parents’ stress very easily. If you are calm, it can help keep them calm.
After the Procedure
- Plan for a quiet day at home
- Follow eating and drinking instructions
- Monitor your child’s recovery
- Keep all recommended follow-up appointments
- Contact the office with any concerns
Do You Think Your Child Needs Sedation, Call Now!
If you live in Sacramento, or surrounding areas such as Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, or Citrus Heights and want to learn more about sedation options for your child, contact our Sacramento dental practice at (916) 929-9222. Dr. Grivas and his team are ready to help your child have a positive dental experience.
Every child deserves quality dental care without fear or anxiety. With the right sedation approach, your child can develop a lifetime of healthy dental habits and a beautiful smile. Let us help make your child’s dental visits comfortable and stress-free.