It’s no secret that many kids experience anxiety when visiting the dentist for the first time or when they need to have treatments. In the latter case, sedation dentistry can be helpful for patients who may fear dental visits. In Eagle River, AK, Discovery Dental strives to create a relaxing and soothing experience for kids while also stressing the importance of proper oral hygiene. With sedation dentistry, children and young adults can receive the care they need without the trepidation that sometimes accompanies a trip to the dental office.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry assuages fears when you need to undergo dental treatments. Before a dental procedure, medication will be administered to sedate the patient. Depending on the type of medication used, the level of sedation can vary. For instance, general anesthesia brings about complete unconsciousness, while minimal sedation merely relaxes the patient. There is also the option of deep sedation where the patient can be woken up if necessary but retains minimal consciousness, or moderate sedation where a patient is basically awake, but may have a hard time recalling what occurred.

What Procedures Are Performed Under Sedation?

Conscious sedation is good for semi-invasive procedures, such as a cavity filling. Light sedation can be helpful for kids with a generalized fear of dental procedures, which often impedes a dentist’s ability to perform basic exams or teeth cleanings. In the event of a comprehensive procedure such as the extraction of wisdom teeth, general anesthesia may be required. You can talk to your child’s dentist about which type of sedation works best for the procedure they receive.

Discovery Dental provides children in Eagle River with optimum dental care in a friendly and calming environment. Visit them online for more information on they can help your kids achieve a bright and healthy smile for life. Call (907) 622-5437 to discuss sedation dentistry or schedule an appointment today.