pediatric sedation dentistry in Kirkland

Sedation
in Kirkland, WA

Many children have a hard time sitting still, which can make dental care difficult. Others may be fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist. However, with sedation options, we can ensure your child stays comfortable and relaxed during their visit, so every trip to the dentist is a positive experience.

pediatric sedation dentistry in Kirkland

Why Should I Choose Pediatric Sedation?

Sedation is really useful for kids. Just like adults, children are often nervous about dental procedures like fillings, or even oral exams and teeth cleanings. Sedation keeps your child calm and comfortable. It also makes it easier for your dentist to treat them, particularly if your little one is active and tends to move around a lot. Keeping them still and comfortable lets their pediatric dentist focus on the procedure and provide better overall care.

Did you know…

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Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” was first used in dental sedation way back in 1844. Today, it’s still the most common sedation method for kids.

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Laughing Gas for Little Smiles

The most mild form of sedation, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment.

Oral Conscious Sedation Options

Oral conscious sedation is taken in liquid or pill form, and can be administered 30-60 minutes before your child’s treatment. It’s a great option for kiddos with more severe dental anxiety, or those undergoing more complex procedures.

General Anesthesia for Complex Cases

General anesthesia is usually reserved for only the most invasive dental surgeries, as it requires the use of a ventilator to help patients breathe and is only performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The primary benefit of general anesthesia is that it will render your child completely unconscious, they will not feel anything or remember anything about their treatment.

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with Dr. Kramar, our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.

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Complimentary Desensitization Appointments

If fear is keeping you or your little one from scheduling an appointment, we’re delighted to offer free Happy Visits! Your little one will get to meet the team and tour the office without the pressure of a clinical visit. It's a great way to help them become comfortable with us and feel confident about Lake Washington Pediatric Dentistry!

The Benefits of Pediatric Sedation

Manage Fear & Dental Anxiety

Seeing the dentist can be scary for kids of all ages, particularly for procedures like fillings. With sedation, your little one can sit back, relax, and feel more comfortable throughout their entire appointment with their pediatric dentist.

Eliminate Pain & Discomfort

Along with local numbing, sedation is extremely effective at controlling any potential pain and discomfort that your little one may experience during their treatment. This makes their treatment easier and gives you peace of mind.

Mitigate Gag Reflex, Fear Of Needles

Some types of sedation can help impair the gag reflex, which is really useful if your child needs work to be done on their rear teeth and has a sensitive gag reflex. It can also help with fear of numbing needles, which is common in both kids and adults.

The Pediatric Sedation Treatment Process

Initial Consultation & Approval

Before your child can be sedated, their pediatric dentist will discuss their health history, medications, supplements, and other details with you to make sure they can be sedated safely. If your child is approved, their pediatric dentist will discuss their options for sedation, and which one may be right for their situation.

Preparation & Sedation

If you need to do anything special to prepare for their appointment, your child’s pediatric dentist in Kirkland will let you know. Then, you’ll come to our office as scheduled, and your child will be sedated for their appointment. They’ll be able to relax and get their treatment in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.

Sedation Aftercare

Depending on the type of sedation, your child may recover from sedation within just a few minutes, or may require some special aftercare and monitoring after their appointment. Your pediatric dentist will give you all the details you need to care for your little one after their treatment.

Before & Afters

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

Is sedation dentistry right for my child?

As long as your child is healthy and is not taking any medications that may interfere with the sedation, your child should be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Contact us to learn more about sedation options for your child. We can discuss any concerns you may have during a consultation.

What does sedation dentistry feel like for my child?

This depends on the method of sedation. With laughing gas, your child will feel light-headed, giggly, and relaxed, but will be fully conscious and aware of their surroundings. They will also feel less discomfort during treatment.

Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation will usually make patients feel groggy or sleepy. Your child will likely fall asleep, and probably won’t remember much about the procedure. However, they will not be unconscious, and can still be woken and respond to commands.

General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation. Your child will be completely unconscious and will not feel anything or remember anything from the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?

When done correctly, sedation dentistry for children, even toddlers, is completely safe. Several precautions are taken to ensure a seamless experience. First, we’ll take a detailed health history to make sure we recommend the right sedation option. We’ll then discuss options with the parent or guardian so that you understand the effects and are prepared to care for your child after their procedure. All methods of sedation dentistry are provided by professionals at our office so you can rest assured that your child’s well-being is of the utmost importance.

Why is sedation used in dentistry?

Sedation is most often used to treat dental anxiety and keep children at ease during their treatment. Fear of the dentist is very common, and sedation can keep your child calm during their appointments.

Additionally, sedation helps with pain and discomfort during more invasive procedures, such as tooth extractions. It also helps young patients feel more comfortable if they need to sit still for longer treatment times.

A Dental Home For Kids of All Ages

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