Sedation Dentistry – Inver Grove Heights, MN
Helping Your Child Beat Their Dental Fears
Do you have a child who’s so afraid of the pediatric dentist’s office that it gets in the way of even the most straightforward checkups? At Mighty Molars Pediatric Dental, there’s no need to fear – sedation dentistry is here! With nitrous oxide or IV sedation, we can help even the most anxious child relax and enjoy their visit. And for longer procedures, general anesthesiology can help them sleep soundly while we work on their teeth. Give us a call to learn more about our options for sedation dentistry at our Inver Grove Heights, MN pediatric dental office and whether they’re right for your little one.
Why Choose Mighty Molars Pediatric Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Relaxing Sedation Options
- Special Needs Patients Welcomed
- Friendly Neighborhood Pediatric Dentist
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This is one of the most common types of sedation used by Dr. Strumpf. If your child is only slightly afraid or needs a little bit of help to stay comfortable, nitrous oxide in Inver Grove Heights can be a great option. The sedative is inhaled through a small nasal mask, and within just a few minutes, your child’s anxieties will be gone, and they’ll be ready for their treatment. The effects wear off quickly afterward, so your little one will be able to go back to school straight away if they need to.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for many children, including those who feel uncomfortable or anxious at the thought of visiting the dentist. We also recommend it for those who: Are scared of needles Have difficulty controlling their movement Suffer from dental sensitivity Have a sensitive gag reflex Have difficulty becoming numbIf you believe your child would be a good candidate for this service, or you’d like to learn more about it, please don’t hesitate to call our team before their appointment to get the answers and peace of mind you need.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
The nitrous oxide process all takes place in our office, as soon as your child has gotten comfortable in the treatment chair. We’ll place a small nose mask on them that will allow them to breathe in a colorless, odorless gas mixed with oxygen. In just a moment, your child will feel a calming wave wash over them, helping them immediately feel more comfortable.
Once the full effects have kicked-in, we’ll begin your child’s treatment, being sure to monitor them throughout it. As soon as the procedure is over, we’ll have them breathe in pure oxygen for a few minutes to minimize any potential after-effects.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Children can carry on with the rest of their day as they normally would after receiving nitrous oxide sedation because it has little-to-no side-effects. We’ll wait to send you both home until your child seems alert and all of the effects of the sedation have worn off. If you have any concerns that come up after your child’s appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric sedation dentist in Inver Grove Heights.IV Sedation
Children with more extreme dental fears or those who have a hard time sitting still for longer treatments may be eligible for IV sedation. We’ll gently inject the sedative into your little one’s hand or arm; in a short amount of time, they’ll be extremely relaxed without actually falling asleep. (They may doze off, but we can wake them up if that happens.) Plan on taking your child home to rest after your visit, as it will take a while for the sedation to wear off.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream – just like the name suggests. This allows your child to feel the effects of the medication almost right away after being administered. They will remain awake throughout the duration of their procedure, but they likely won’t remember much afterward because they will be in such a deep state of relaxation. During their treatment, we will keep a close eye on your child’s vital signs to make sure they are perfectly safe. The effects of this sedative will linger for a little while, so it is best that they stay home from school and any extracurricular activities for the rest of the day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
IV sedation is usually recommended and used for children who are undergoing long, more complex procedures so they can remain comfortable. If your child needs to get multiple treatments done simultaneously, this sedation method may be ideal. Before your child’s treatment, we will discuss their health history, medications, and other factors to rule out any possible complications that could arise.
The Benefits of IV Sedation
Here are some of the various benefits that IV sedation can offer for your child:
- The effects of IV sedation set in very quickly after being administered.
- Our dental team constantly controls and monitors the flow of medications.
- IV sedation prevents stress-related memories associated with the dentist.
- IV sedation makes it easier for fearful patients to receive the essential dental care that they need to maintain a healthy smile.
General Anesthesiology
Unlike nitrous oxide and IV sedation, general anesthesia is meant to put patients in a sleep-like state. It’s mainly used for procedures that take a long time or are particularly complex. Your child’s vital signs will be closely monitored the entire time that they’re under the effects of general anesthesia, and our team will make sure they remain safe from the beginning to the end of their visit. Before a visit involving general anesthesia, we’ll give you some instructions for making sure your child is prepared beforehand.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Kids?
As long as it is handled by a trained professional, sedation dentistry is considered safe for kids and can often be an effective way to reduce their chances of developing dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is the most common option, but IV sedation may be recommended for children who have particularly severe dental phobias.
It should be noted that sedation can sometimes lead to nausea. As such, you should limit the amount that your child eats or drinks before any treatment where sedation will be used. Also, when it comes to IV sedation and general anesthesia, it can take a while for the effects to completely wear off, so you should plan on taking your child home after their visit and monitoring them carefully while they rest.
Before your child receives sedation dentistry, you should talk to their dentist about any medications they are currently taking. Make sure you also explain any health conditions that they have. This information is essential for determining whether your child is truly a viable candidate for sedation dentistry.
Will My Child Remember Anything with Sedation Dentistry?
One of the possible side effects of sedation dentistry is that patients often don’t remember much of what happened while they were under its effects. Generally speaking, this is more likely to happen with IV sedation than it is with nitrous oxide sedation. For many children (particularly those who have had negative experiences with the dentist in the past), not remembering their treatment can be a positive.
When it comes to general anesthesiology, your child will be in a sleep-like state. Naturally, being unconscious throughout their procedure means they likely won’t remember anything.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The answer to this question depends on the type of sedation used. The cost of nitrous oxide sedation is typically a few hundred dollars. Meanwhile, IV sedation and general anesthesiology tend to carry higher price tags. It’s also worth noting that the length of time that your child spends under the effects of the sedative can also influence the cost; the higher the dosage they receive, the more you can normally expect to pay.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the cost of sedation dentistry. We can also point you toward options that can make sedation more affordable, such as CareCredit financing.
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
You should review your plan to see what sort of coverage is available for sedation dentistry. Generally speaking, your insurance company likely won’t help pay for any sedation that is not considered necessary. However, they may be willing to provide some coverage if your child requires a particularly complex treatment or if they have a disability that makes it difficult to have dental work done without being sedated first.
If you’re uncertain about the details of your dental insurance policy, talk to our team; we can clarify your coverage and file the necessary claims on your behalf.
