Sedation Dentistry | Dr. Linda A. Steele

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Sedation Options

It is not uncommon for a child to experience anxiety before and during a visit to the dentist. To reduce dental anxiety, Linda Steele, DDS provides sedation dentistry for children in Coppell, TX. Sedation dentistry is used to calm patients and relieve any fear or anxiety that they may be experiencing. There are levels of sedation available depending upon the child’s level of anxiety. Here is a brief list of the different types of sedation that are available to relieve your child’s dental anxiety:

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is one of the most commonly used sedation techniques. Within five minutes of inhalation, nitrous oxide provides the patient with a stress free euphoric feeling that lasts the entirety of the gentle dental care procedure. Once the gas is turned off, your child will return to normal within just a few minutes.

Oral/Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation is administered by Dr. Linda in the office. Medication is used to make the patient feel drowsy and relaxed. Once the patient is completely sedated, Dr. Linda can begin the gentle dental care procedure. Throughout the entirety of the procedure, vital signs are monitored to ensure maximum safety. Once the treatment is over, you will be able to take your child home to rest comfortably for a few hours.

Hospital Outpatient General IV Anesthesia

This type of deep sedation is administered strictly in a hospital setting with a trained pediatric nurse and certified anesthesiologist. Intravenous (IV) sedation is used for patients with moderate to severe anxiety, those who are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment, and those who require major treatment. IV sedation may be recommended so that major treatment may be completed in one sitting thus preventing infection, unnecessary swelling, and multiple office visits. Unlike oral sedation, IV sedation leaves the patient with no memory of the procedure.

Gentle Dental Care for Your Kids

All of the above sedation methods are considered to be safe and effective. If your child experiences intense fear or anxiety before visiting the dentist, sedation might be the best solution. To learn more about sedation dentistry for children in Coppell, TX, contact Dr. Linda and schedule a consultation today!