Sedation Instructions for our Sheer Smiles parents

Sedation Instructions to help parents with services to infants, toddlers, teens and children with special needs. Sheer Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is located in Frisco, Texas and we proudly serve the surrounding cities of Little Elm, The Colony, Plano, Prosper, and Oak Point.

Sedation Instructions

Sedation Instructions
In contrast to general anesthesia (which renders the child unconscious), dental sedation is only intended to reduce the child’s anxiety and discomfort during dental visits. In some cases, the child may become drowsy or less active while sedated, but this will quickly desist after the procedure is completed.

When is sedation used?

Sedation is used in several circumstances. Firstly, very young children are often unable to keep still for long enough for the pediatric dentist to perform high-precision procedures safely. Sedation makes the visit less stressful for both children and adults and vastly reduces the risk of injury. Secondly, some children struggle to manage anxiety during dental appointments. Sedation helps them to relax, cope, and feel happier about treatment. Thirdly, sedation is particularly useful for children with special needs. It prevents spontaneous movement and guides cooperative behavior.

What about general anesthetic?

General anesthetic (which puts the child in a deep sleep), is rarely used in dental work unless: A procedure cannot otherwise be performed safely. The child has a condition which limits cooperation or the ability to follow instructions. The child needs a lengthy treatment. The child needs more complex dental treatment or oral surgery.

In contrast to general anesthesia (which renders the child unconscious), dental sedation is only intended to reduce the child’s anxiety and discomfort during dental visits. In some cases, the child may become drowsy or less active while sedated, but this will quickly desist after the procedure is completed.

When is sedation used?

What about general anesthetic?

General anesthetic (which puts the child in a deep sleep), is rarely used in dental work unless:

A procedure cannot otherwise be performed safely. The child has a condition which limits cooperation or the ability to follow instructions. The child needs a lengthy treatment. The child needs more complex dental treatment or oral surgery.

THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF SEDATION ARE?

Most pediatric dentists have several sedation options available, and each one comes with its own particular benefits. The dentist will assess the medical history of the child, the expected duration of the procedure, and the child’s comfort level before recommending a method of sedation. Conscious sedation allows children to continually communicate, follow instructions, and cooperate during the entire procedure. The major methods of conscious sedation are described below:

ORAL SEDATION

Children who are uncooperative, particularly anxious, or unable to control their muscles for prolonged periods, may be offered an oral sedative. Oral sedatives come in many different forms (usually tablets, pills, and liquids), and may make the child feel drowsy. If oral sedatives are to be used, the pediatric dentist may require parents to prepare the child before the appointment. Some common preparatory measures may include: limiting food and fluid intake prior to the appointment, having the child wear comfortable clothing to the appointment, and preparing to stay with the child for several hours after the appointment. Oral sedatives rarely produce serious side effects – nausea is among the most common.

NITROUS OXIDE

The pediatric dentist may recommend nitrous oxide (more commonly known as “laughing gas”) for children who exhibit particular signs of nervousness or anxiety. Nitrous oxide is delivered via a mask, which is placed over the child’s nose. Nitrous oxide is always combined with oxygen – meaning that the child can comfortably breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Laughing gas relaxes children extremely quickly, and can produce happy euphoric behavior. It is also quick acting, painless to deliver, and wears off within a matter of minutes. Before removing the mask completely, the pediatric dentist delivers regular oxygen for several minutes, to ensure the nitrous oxide is eliminated from the child’s body. On rare occasions, nitrous oxide may cause nausea. For this reason, most pediatric dentists suggest minimal food intake prior to the appointment.

OTHER FORMS OF CONSCIOUS SEDATION

Other less common ways to administer sedatives include intravenous (IV sedation), the use of suppositories, and even the use of a nasal spray. In most cases, the method of delivery may change, but the chemical nature of the sedative remains the same.

Frisco Pediatric Dentists

Meet Dr. Sage & Dr. Justin

Both Dr. Sage and Dr. Justin are board-certified pediatric dentists, proud fathers, and enthusiastic pet dads!

While they have a lot in common, what truly unites them is their dedication to giving children positive dental experiences that will safeguard their smiles and health for decades to come.

Dr. Sage and Dr. Justin completed their pediatric specialty training at Tufts University and the Montefiore Medical Center / Albert Einstein College of Medicine respectively, meaning they bring a deep commitment to continuing education and only using the latest, proven methods and technology to serve our growing patients.

Sheer Smiles participates with most PPO insurance plans. Medicaid and CHIP accepted.

No Dental Insurance???

Our plan is designed to provide greater access to quality
dental care at an affordable price.

Yearly maximums. None!
Deductibles. Whats that?
Claim forms. Nope!
Frequency limits? None!
No pre-authorization requirements.
Pre-existing condition limitations. None!
No one will be denied coverage.
No waiting periods (immediate eligibility).
For more details about what the plan includes, visit our Sheer Smiles VIP page

Same Day Pediatric Emergency Appointments!

Sudden dental injuries or severe pain can be frightening. In these emergency situations, we will be there to help your child, 24/7/365!

What Our Kids Parents Think About Us!

The staff is extremely friendly, precise, and timely.

I have been bringing all three of my kiddos to Sheer Smiles since they were babies. They are now 3, 6, and 10 and they LOVE it!!! The staff is extremely friendly, precise, and timely. I have never had a complaint. If you come here, you will not be disappointed.

We love Sheer Smiles so much...

We love Sheer Smiles so much... have never had anything less than an excellent experience every time... the entire staff is so warm, welcoming, and so sweet and gentle with the kiddos... thank y'all so much.

My two little ones love going to Sheer Smiles!

My two little ones love going to Sheer Smiles! The office is always nice and clean. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. There is never a long wait to be seen, so anxious and impatient little ones aren’t kept waiting. There are even TVs on the ceilings in the patient area with entertainment to… Read more