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Oral Sedation
At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that some children may feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist. To help ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience, we offer oral sedation as a safe and effective option for children who need a little extra help relaxing during their dental appointments. Our team of board-certified pediatric dentists, including Dr. Poonam Shah and Dr. Kara Whittington, is dedicated to providing gentle and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each child.
What Is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation involves the administration of a sedative medication in liquid form that your child drinks before their dental appointment. This type of sedation helps your child feel more relaxed and calm during their visit, making it easier for them to undergo necessary dental procedures without anxiety or discomfort.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Oral sedation is ideal for children who:
- Experience moderate to severe anxiety about dental visits
- Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
- Require extensive dental work
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have had previous negative experiences at the dentist
If your child fits any of these criteria, oral sedation may be the best option to ensure they have a positive and comfortable dental experience.
How It Works
Administration
The sedative medication is given to your child in liquid form, usually about 30 to 60 minutes before the dental procedure. The medication induces a state of relaxation and drowsiness, helping to ease anxiety and make the dental visit more manageable.
During the Procedure
While under oral sedation, your child will remain awake and able to respond to questions and instructions from the dental team. However, they will feel much more relaxed and may not remember much of the procedure afterward. Our team closely monitors your child's vital signs throughout the treatment to ensure their safety and comfort.
What Does It Do?
Oral sedation helps to:
- Reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental visits
- Minimize discomfort during dental procedures
- Allow your child to remain calm and cooperative
- Enable the completion of more complex or lengthy procedures in a single visit
Recovery
After the procedure, your child may feel a bit groggy or sleepy for a few hours. It is important to let them rest and recover fully before resuming normal activities. Our team will provide specific post-sedation care instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. It is recommended that parents plan a quiet day at home for their child following the use of oral sedation.
Why Choose Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Our team of experienced and board-certified pediatric dentists, including Dr. Poonam Shah, Dr. Kara Whittington, and Dr. Joanna Ayala, is dedicated to providing the highest quality care tailored to the unique needs of children in San Antonio and surrounding areas like Kerrville, Comfort, and Bandera.
We utilize the latest dental technology to provide the best care possible. From digital X-rays to advanced sterilization techniques, our commitment to modern technology ensures your child receives the safest and most effective treatments.
With multiple locations and flexible office hours, including evenings and weekends, we make it easy for you to access the care your child needs. Visit us in Kerrville, Comfort, Medina, Bandera, Mountain Home, and Fredericksburg.
Schedule Your Child's Sedation Dentistry Appointment Today!
If your child needs dental treatment and you think oral sedation might be the right option to help them feel at ease, contact Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to ensure your child receives the best care possible. Visit our contact page to book your appointment today.
