Roanoke Sedation Dentistry
At Parkway Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some children are not able to tolerate traditional treatment options and that is okay! our Roanoke pediatric dentist is able to provide sedation options to help alleviate your child’s dental anxiety so that all necessary treatment can be completed.
There are two different sedation options offered at Parkway Pediatric Dentistry:
IV Sedation and Hospital-Based General Anesthesia
IV Sedation is a sedation option for children who are extremely anxious, have extensive dental treatment needs, are unable to sit still during treatment, or have disabilities that limit their ability to understand directions and be treated safely.
With IV sedation, your child will be unconscious during treatment. IV sedation is very similar to patients who have their wisdom teeth removed. We partner with a pediatric anesthesiologist who will monitor your child while we complete the dental treatment needed. With this sedation option, all dental treatment will be completed pain-free in a non-traumatizing setting in one visit. Your child will be able to go home the same day with all their dental needs addressed.
If your child has extensive treatment needs or significant anxiety, please contact our office to see if your child is a candidate for in-office IV sedation.
General Anesthesia
We partner with LewisGale Medical Center and Carilion in the New River Valley to treat children under general anesthesia to complete all dental needs. This is a safe method to provide care if there are significant dental treatment needs or medical health considerations. This option of treatment is similar to children who need to have their tonsils/adenoids removed or tubes placed in their ears. Children are able to go home within a few hours after their dental procedure.
In order to discuss what treatment option is best for you and your child, please give us a call today to discuss your treatment options.
How Do I Know if Sedation is Right for My Child?
Sedation dentistry may be needed if your child needs a lot of dental treatment or has dental anxiety, special needs, or may not be able to sit still long enough to receive treatment. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan will help you and your family decide if sedation is necessary and what options would be best for you and your child. Sedation dentistry can be helpful if…
- Your child is highly apprehensive about receiving dental treatment
- There is an extensive amount of dental treatment that needs to be addressed
- Your child has a strong gag reflex
- Unsuccessful previous dental treatment, or behavioral or emotional problems that make dental treatment difficult
- The teeth involved are not candidates for minimally invasive dentistry
Roanoke Sedation with an Experienced Pediatric Dentist
The most common question asked is “is sedation safe?” There are many considerations pediatric dentists make when recommending sedation for patients and their families. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan will always have an in-depth conversation with you regarding your treatment options.
Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan are board-certified pediatric dentists who have completed a pediatric dental residency that provides extensive training in sedation. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Ryan continue to stay at the forefront of continuing education regarding sedation to make sure they deliver the safest care to their patients. In addition, they maintain basic life support (BLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certificates. Safety is our first priority, and we always welcome questions when considering any treatment or sedation options. We feel strongly that as an educated parent, you are able to make the best, most informed decisions for your child.
FAQ’s
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients who experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist. We use medication to help patients feel relaxed during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can be used for everything from dental cleanings to more invasive procedures.
What sedation is used for dentistry in Roanoke?
There are three main types of sedation we may use to ensure your child’s comfort during his or her appointment. Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is a safe, mild sedative that helps your child relax. Oral sedatives are taken by the mouth or through the nose to make your child slightly drowsy during the procedure. IV sedation is administered via a needle into your child’s vein.
Is Roanoke sedation dentistry painful?
Sedation does not control pain or discomfort, so your child will still need injections to numb the area in order to ensure the procedure is pain-free during and immediately after the procedure. Sedation helps ensure your child feels relaxed.
How long does dental sedation last?
Depending on the type of sedation used, the effects can last up to six hours. The exact length of time it will take for the sedation medication to wear off varies from child to child.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
As with any dental procedure the cost is affected by your insurance coverage, location, and the dental office you are using. Depending on the type of sedation used, the cost can vary between a couple of hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars.
