For many children, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-filled experience full of sounds, smells, and sensations that make them feel overwhelmed or afraid. If your child is one of the millions who experience dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the ideal solution to help them get the oral care they need in a calm, comfortable way. At our practice, Dr. Jim Burchett and his team specialize in providing O’Fallon sedation dentistry for kids. With their gentle approach and use of safe sedation techniques, even the most anxious children can receive dental treatment while feeling relaxed and at ease.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses carefully controlled medications to help patients achieve a calm, anxiety-free state during dental procedures. For children’s sedation dentistry, only the mildest form – laughing gas (nitrous oxide) – is typically used.
Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, colorless gas administered through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. As they breathe in the nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, it begins to take effect very quickly, inducing a feeling of giddiness or light-headedness that puts them in a relaxed, carefree state of mind.
Your child remains awake and responsive throughout their treatment but feels no fear, anxiety or discomfort. The effects also wear off rapidly once the nitrous is turned off, allowing them to get up and go about their day with no lingering grogginess or side effects.
Benefits of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
For anxious kids (and their parents!), sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, including:
- No More Fear of the Dentist: The calming effects of sedation allow children to undergo any type of treatment, from routine cleanings to complex procedures, while feeling calm, relaxed, and comfortable. It takes the fear out of dental visits.
- Increased Cooperation: Nitrous oxide produces a feeling of giddiness and euphoria, which helps even the most stubborn kids cooperate during their appointment. They don’t move around or fuss, which also allows for faster treatment.
- Overcoming Aversions: Strong gag reflexes, low pain tolerance, struggles with numbing, and other aversions are much easier to overcome while under the effects of nitrous oxide sedation. The experience is smooth and comfortable.
- Builds Positive Associations: Beginning positive associations with trips to the dentist from a young age can have lasting impacts on preventing dental phobia later in life. Sedation helps them view it as a calm, comfortable experience.
- Safe for Children: Pediatric sedation dentistry is closely monitored, and the nitrous oxide itself is non-allergenic, non-irritating, and free of long-term side effects. It is a very safe way to help anxious kids.
Why Choose Dr. Burchett for O’Fallon Sedation Dentistry for Kids?
At his kid-friendly O’Fallon practice, Dr. Jim Burchett and his team have years of experience providing gentle, compassionate sedation dentistry services just for children. Some of the many reasons why he’s the ideal choice include:
- Dedicated focus on pediatric dental care and children’s unique needs
- Specially designed office and facilities to put kids at ease
- Advanced training in nitrous oxide sedation and pediatric techniques
- Fun, caring, and nurturing staff who know how to make kids feel comfortable
- No judgment – they understand anxiety can be difficult for some kids
- Follow the latest safety protocols for sedation administration and monitoring
When you walk through the doors, you’ll experience a different type of dental office environment geared towards kids. Your child will feel at home with a warm welcome, engaging decorations, and patient amenities.
Dr. Burchett and his staff go the extra mile to ensure your child has a positive experience, free from anxiety or fear. Using some of the most advanced pediatric sedation techniques, he delivers comprehensive preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care while prioritizing your child’s comfort every step.
Get a Healthy Head Start with Stress-Free Dental Visits
Routine dental visits are critical in developing great oral health habits and preventing cavities and other issues from developing as children grow. However, kids who are afraid or anxious may avoid the dentist, leading to problems that could have been prevented.
Help your child start building positive associations from an early age by choosing sedation dentistry with Dr. Burchett. Our comfortable, relaxing approach to O’Fallon sedation dentistry for kids will put them at ease, letting them get the dental care they need without any stress or discomfort.
O’Fallon Sedation Dentistry for Kids
Say goodbye to dentist office meltdowns, appointments filled with tears, and procedures that leave your child traumatized. With pediatric sedation, they’ll feel happy and calm at every visit. You’ll no longer have to worry about them dreading or fearing the dentist. Give your child the gift of great oral health and positive dental experiences with Dr. Jim Burchett and his sedation dentistry services. Contact our O’Fallon office today to schedule your next stress-free appointment!