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.

About Dr. Solmaz Shir, DDS

Presently, Dr. Solmaz Shir is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry. In addition, Dr. Shir, Received her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) degree from University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Specifically, Dr. Solmaz Shir graduated from dental school with a distinction in academic teaching. After that, she received numerous leadership, academic, and dentistry awards. As a result, Dr. Solmaz Shir has held a position as part-time faculty at Baylor College of Dentistry while practicing general dentistry in private practice setting in DFW area.

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.

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!

Dr. Shir was amazing!!

Dr. Shir was great in taking care of my little one’s tongue and lip tie. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. They definitely are thorough in explanations of the procedure that was going to be done and I would highly recommend them.

Best pediatric dental I have visited!

Everyone at Sheer Smiles is so welcoming. We felt like family from the first appointment. Dr. Shir was great with my two girls. The hygienists were wonderful as well as the front desk staff. Hands down – the best pediatric dental practice I have visited!

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

Dr. Shir will provide the best Pediatric Dentistry services for your child!

^01/ Tips on Food

^02/ The effects of fruit on kids teeth

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^01/ Tips on Food

^02/ The effects of fruit on kids teeth

^03/ Are sports drinks okay for kids?

Sedation Instructions for our Sheer Smiles parents