Sedation Dentist for Kids – Northampton, MA | Amherst, MA | Greenfield, MA
No More Fear at the Dentist
When it comes to caring for children, our pediatric dentists in Northampton, Amherst, and Greenfield, MA always make comfort a priority. Dental anxiety is a common problem among little ones, as is overstimulation and outright fear. Thankfully, our sedation dentistry services can make a big difference, helping patients feel relaxed and at ease as we take care of their teeth and gums. Other options are available if needed to ensure that their experience is as ideal and pain-free as possible. Dr. Tremblay, Dr. Biernacki, and Dr. Sheraz want to see your child smiling big as they leave Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry!
Why Choose Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists on Staff
- Warm, Friendly & Understanding Dental Team
- Partnered with Licensed Anesthesiologists
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous oxide is a very safe sedation dentistry option, and it’s well-proven to help patients of all ages feel more relaxed and content as their dental treatment is performed. We’ll administer the gas to your son or daughter through a nasal mask, gauging their reaction at all times so that we can confirm they’re at ease. In addition to producing warm feelings, nitrous oxide should also reduce their gag reflex and help them stay still for a long period of time.
One of the best benefits of using nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off within minutes, allowing you and your child to resume regular activities with virtually no downtime.
Local Anesthesia
During most dental treatments, our team will provide your little one with local anesthesia in a careful and comfortable manner. This process eliminates virtually any pain they may have experienced by numbing the treated area. Numbness usually lasts for a few hours, and parents should keep an eye on their child to make sure they don’t accidentally bite their lips or cheeks.
Hospital Dentistry
If we simply can’t provide the high caliber of safe, comfortable dental care your child deserves in either of our office spaces, Dr. Biernacki, Dr. Tremblay, and Dr. Sheraz may recommend hospital dentistry. The procedure will take place in an operating room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Surgical Day Care Center, and a skilled anesthesiologist will be onsite to provide your child with general anesthesia and monitor their vitals as we treat their smile. In these cases, an overnight stay is typically not necessary. This allows parents to take their child home so they can rest in a familiar setting instead of a hospital room.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe
It's normal to have concerns about the safety of sedation dentistry, especially when it comes to your child. However, there's nothing to fear. Your sedation dentist in Northampton has completed extensive training to ensure your little one's safety. They will review your child's medical history to ensure there are no concerns for adverse reactions. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest for most patients, including children. We also offer local anesthesia for more complex situations. Your child will be monitored from start-to-finish, by our dental team.
What Does Dental Sedation Feel Like?
Your child's experience will differ depending on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas,” is an inhaled sedative that will calm your child's nerves, allowing them to relax. They may get the giggles as the sedative takes effect. Their body may feel heavy and warm. Your child's extremities may even tingle. Once the mask is removed, your child will feel completely normal within a matter of minutes.
Local anesthesia is much stronger than nitrous oxide and is reserved for complex situations. Your little one will sleep through their appointment. It takes a few hours for the sedative to wear off, so your child may be groggy. After relaxing for the day, your child will be back to their usual self in no time at all.
Does Dental Sedation Cause Memory Loss?
Fragmented memory loss can occur with some sedatives, like nitrous oxide. This can be a great benefit for children who have had a poor dental experience in the past or fear visiting the dentist. Your little one will have no memory of their procedure when local anesthesia is used. Don't worry, they won't lose any core memories, only the time spent in the dentist’s chair.
Do You Feel Pain with Dental Sedation?
Nitrous oxide can be used along with a numbing medication to keep your child comfortable. They will not experience any pain because their comfort is our top priority. They will not have any pain if local anesthesia is used. However, depending on your child's treatment, their mouth may be tender after the effects of any medications wear off. You can manage it with an age-appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever. A cold compress can reduce pain and inflammation. Offer plenty of soft foods and keep them hydrated. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.