Does your child have a fear of needles? Do they struggle with dental-related anxiety or have a condition that makes it near impossible for them to stay calm and comfortable in the treatment chair? If so, you may have heard that dental sedation can help. Whether you’re considering nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, it’s completely normal to have questions on your mind beforehand. The good news is that you can learn the answers to frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry for kids right here!
1. Is My Child a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Mild dental sedatives, like nitrous oxide, are safe for the large majority of patients, including children. However, even with this calming solution, your child’s dental team will need to consider a few important factors before determining if they are a candidate, including if they have any allergies or if they are taking certain medications. That’s why scheduling an initial appointment is so important.
2. How Long Does Sedation Dentistry Last?
That depends on the type of dental sedation your child gets! For example, the effects of nitrous oxide dissipate within minutes of removing the nasal mask. That means that they can go back to school or whatever else their typical day includes – they won’t feel tired or groggy at all. More powerful sedatives, on the other hand, can last for 5+ hours. As a result, they will need some time after their appointment to relax and take it easy.
3. Will My Child Remember Anything with Sedation Dentistry?
Many dental sedation options come with an additional perk: your child may have little to no memory of their time in the treatment chair! This often results in decreased anxiety at future visits since a more positive association with the dentist’s office is made at each and every appointment.
4. Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Sedation Dentistry?
Typically, dental insurance providers only cover the cost of “medically necessary” treatments. Since sedation dentistry is considered a “luxury,” it usually isn’t covered. With that said, there are a few exceptions. For example, if your child needs multiple teeth extracted, then their provider may cover a portion of the cost. So, don’t hesitate to double-check the fine print on their plan!
About the Doctor
Dr. Bryce Cushing is proud to be a top-rated pediatric dentist in Papillion – it means his goal of showing children that dentistry is nothing to be scared of is working! His 15+ year career in the dental field began at Utah State University, which is where he earned his undergraduate degree. After that, he graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and completed a pediatric residency at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Passionate about advanced training and continuing education, he also is an active member of professional organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. If you have a question about your child’s dental care or you would like to schedule an appointment for them, visit his website or call (402) 773-7873.