Accent Dental of Wentzville - Sedation Dentistry for Kids
We understand that going to the dentist can be scary for some children. Here at Accent Dental, we want to make our patients as comfortable as possible. High-quality patient care is of the utmost importance, and we only offer the safest possible options for our young patients. Your dentist in Wentzville, MO currently offers two options for an anxious child that may need to receive treatment more complex than a routine check-up.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, helps patients relax during their dental visits. The child will be given a small breathing mask to place over their nose, and the gas will take up to 20 minutes to take full effect. Inhaling nitrous oxide allows the patient to remain fully awake and keep all natural reflexes. They will just experience a sense of calmness and some light-headedness. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a safe, effective technique to use for treating children's dental needs. When the procedure is over, the child will breathe pure oxygen just to clear out any remaining effects of nitrous oxide.
General Anesthesia
Your dentist in Wentzville, MO also offers anesthesia administered by a dental anesthesiologist in our practice. Intravenous sedation is a good option for younger or anxious patients who may need extensive dental treatment. Our sedation team has a minimum of three members including an anesthesiologist, a dentist, and a nurse. All members have been specially trained by completing a sedation monitoring course certified by the Missouri Dental Board. While the dentist focuses on the treatment, the anesthesiologist monitors the anesthetic prior to, during, and after the procedure.
Side effects can vary but nausea and a sore throat can occur in some cases.
Missouri State Law requires medical insurance to cover anesthesia for the following individuals:
- A child under the age of five.
- A person who is severely disabled.
- Someone who has a medical or behavioral condition which requires general anesthesia when dental care is needed.
There are however some patients who are not candidates for in-office anesthesia due to medical conditions. These patients will need to be treated in a hospital setting. Please call your dentist in Wentzville, MO to find out if your child is a candidate.
