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Sedation Dentistry For Children in Portland

For many parents, the idea of sedation dentistry for their child can bring up feelings of uncertainty. It’s natural to want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and comfort. Dental visits, however, can sometimes feel overwhelming for kids, leaving both children and parents anxious about what to expect. Sedation dentistry offers a solution that helps ease that worry, ensuring your child feels calm and relaxed during their visit.

At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some procedures or even the dental environment can be daunting for young patients. That’s why we focus on providing compassionate care tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring a positive experience. With years of dedicated service to families in Portland, we’re proud to make every effort to keep smiles bright and stress-free for your family’s youngest members.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help children relax during dental procedures. It’s especially beneficial for those who experience fear, have special needs, or require extensive dental work. 

We provide several sedation options to accommodate different needs, such as:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative administered through a small mask over your child’s nose. It helps children relax without rendering them unconscious. The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, allowing your child to resume normal activities promptly.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This method involves administering medication orally to make your child drowsy yet responsive. It’s suitable for children who are particularly anxious or require longer procedures. Your child may feel sleepy and might not remember the procedure afterward.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia may be recommended for more extensive dental work or in cases where other sedation methods are ineffective. We offer both in-office general anesthesia with a dedicated anesthesiologist or through Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital depending on your child’s unique needs. Under general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep, ensuring they remain still and comfortable throughout the procedure. This option is typically used for complex treatments or for children with special needs.

 

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?

We know that as parents, your child’s safety is your top priority—and it’s ours, too. Our team is specially trained in pediatric sedation and follows strict guidelines to make sure your child is well taken care of. Before recommending sedation, we take the time to carefully review your child’s medical history and overall health to make sure we choose the best approach. We also provide clear pre- and post-sedation instructions to help everything go smoothly and give you peace of mind.

 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can make your child’s visit to the dentist easier, more comfortable, and even a little more fun. Some of the benefits include:

  • Reduced anxiety: Sedation helps ease your child’s fear, creating a calm experience that’s perfect for kids who may feel nervous about dental treatments.

  • Comfort: With sedation, your child stays relaxed and comfortable during the procedure, minimizing discomfort or fidgeting.

  • Efficiency: Sedation allows us to complete multiple treatments in one visit, saving your family time and reducing the number of trips to the office.

  • Cooperation: Sedation is especially helpful for younger children or kids with special needs who may find it hard to stay still during a procedure.

These benefits not only make the experience more pleasant but also help foster positive memories of the dentist, encouraging healthy habits for years to come.

Preparing Your Child for Sedation

Making sure your child is ready for their sedation appointment helps set the stage for a calm, successful visit. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

  • Pre-sedation instructions: Please follow any guidelines we provide, such as food and drink restrictions. This will help ensure your child’s safety and comfort during the procedure.

  • Comfort items: Bringing along a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy can help your child feel more at ease and secure throughout the visit.

  • Post-sedation care: After the procedure, plan for a quiet, restful day for your child. They may feel a bit groggy, so keeping them hydrated and comfortable will help them recover smoothly.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Why Choose Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry?

Choosing the right pediatric dentist is a big decision, and we want to make that choice easier for you. At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our team is dedicated to making each visit a positive, stress-free experience for both you and your child.

We are passionate about creating a welcoming, friendly environment for your child. With specialized training in pediatric care, we go the extra mile to make sure your child feels comfortable and understood. From the waiting room to the treatment area, we’ve designed every part of our office to make your child feel at ease.

We’re committed to providing the best care for your child. We understand how stressful dental visits can be, and we want to help your child develop a healthy relationship with their dental health.

Reach Out to Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry

At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we know that choosing the right dental care for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. With years of experience serving families in Portland, we provide personalized care that prioritizes your child’s safety and comfort. Our Portland pediatric dentists have advanced training in pediatric sedation, ensuring that every step of the process is handled with care and professionalism. We strive to create a welcoming environment that helps children feel at ease, turning potentially stressful visits into positive experiences.

Whether it’s nitrous oxide for gentle relaxation, oral sedation for anxiety relief, or general anesthesia for complex treatments, we offer tailored solutions to meet your child’s needs. Our commitment to advanced technology and child-friendly care sets us apart as a trusted partner in your child’s dental health. Schedule your visit today and see how we make smiles stress-free! Reach out to us at (971) 458-5477 or through our contact form

Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide

 

One of the most commonly used sedation types is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This helps many children relax during their procedure. Nitrous oxide is a combination of two different gases–-oxygen and nitrous oxide. We administer the gas through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. The gas will make your child relax without the full effect of anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is so commonly used that even the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes it as an effective way to treat children. It is very mild and safe. Children will wake up quickly after we remove the mask.

If you want to use nitrous oxide on your child, you need to let us know if there have been any changes to his or her health or medical condition. If your child has trouble breathing, let us know because the gas won’t be as effective. We also need to know if your child is taking any medications to make sure that there are no reactions.

Oral Conscious Sedation

 

Conscious sedation is also commonly used. We use it on children who are afraid of the dentist. It is also helpful for young children who won’t sit still and children with special needs. When we use conscious sedation, your child will be very sleepy. Some children even fall asleep, but they will not lose consciousness. We use a variety of medications for conscious sedation. After discussing your child with you, we will determine which medication (or a mixture of medications) will work best for your child. This will depend on your child and what procedure we are doing.

General Anesthesia

 

We also offer outpatient general anesthesia for our patients. This is also helpful for children who are scared. It can also be beneficial for young children and those with special needs. Sometimes conscious sedation does not work, but general anesthesia will. When your child is put under general anesthesia, your child will be asleep, just like if he or she was having major surgery. Using general anesthesia has greater risks, but often the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. There are many benefits of using general anesthesia. Your child may be able to get multiple procedures done in one day instead of having to come back several times. You won’t have to worry about restraining your child.

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DBA: Tesha Waggoner DMD, P.C

Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Tesha Waggoner DMD
5415 SW Westgate Dr #207
Portland, OR 97221
503.292.9274
info@pinetreepd.com