Happy Mouths, Happy smiles
Behavior Management & Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Appareddy and her team have a number of treatment options that will make dentistry comfortable for your child. Whenever possible, we will try to take the most conservative path to treatment. In our office, we are very careful to use language that is not intimidating for our young patients. We take a gentle approach and make an effort to tell and show children each step of a procedure before proceeding. Also, it can often be helpful for children to observe other siblings during their appointments.
Moms and dads can also help, and it all begins at home! Use positive language when you speak to your kids about dental visits. Remember that your children can sense your own anxiety. We’re here to relieve both parents’ and children’s fears, so please let us know if there’s anything that we can do to help! You are welcome to bring your children in for an office tour before their dental visit.
Many children can cooperate for treatment without sedative medications. When traditional behavior management techniques are not successful, however, Dr. Appareddy will offer sedation dentistry to provide a positive experience for your children.
Nitrous Oxide: Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a very mild and safe form of sedation used in dentistry. It is administered through a mask will sit on your child’s nose and will carry air to provide relaxation during dental procedures. Your child will remain alert but will have a happy feeling. He or she may not actually laugh or giggle. When the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide will be turned off and your child will breathe in pure oxygen for about 5 minutes to clear out any remaining gas. There are no prolonged sedative effects when your child leaves our office after the procedure.
Oral Moderate Sedation: Oral sedation offered in our office is a moderate level of sedation given to children for whom nitrous oxide alone does not provide sufficient relaxation. A liquid medication would be given 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the procedure. This sedative would be given in addition to nitrous oxide. If your child is a candidate for oral sedation, Dr. Appareddy will provide more information as well as pre-op and post-op instructions.
IV sedation: Some children are not candidates for nitrous oxide or oral sedation because of level of anxiety, age, or extent of required treatment. For these patients, we offer treatment with IV sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. If your child is a candidate, this treatment would be offered in-office.
Treatment under general anesthesia: Dr. Appareddy has held medical staff privileges at Texas Children’s Hospital for several years. If your child is not a candidate for in-office IV sedation or if you would be more comfortable with your child being seen in a hospital setting, Dr. Appareddy can provide comprehensive treatment under general anesthesia in the OR.
