4 Features of the Ideal Sedation Dentist for Kids

As you drive around town, you will likely spot various companies offering similar services. You pass by several options for daycares, grocery stores, medical practices, and dental offices, but sometimes you don’t have time or patience to test each option to identify the perfect one for your family. For instance, how do you know which sedation dentist for kids is ideal for your child who fears dental care? Here are some key features to look for before you book an appointment!

An Experienced, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Every dental school student studies the basics of pediatric development and needs, and many general dentists have their own children at home, but only a dentist who has taken two to three extra years of extensive training and who has become board certified in pediatric dentistry has proven expertise in diagnosing and treating toddlers, children, and teens. These specialists focus only on these young age groups, understand what they need during these early stages of development, and provide experiences that build trust and encourage lifelong oral health.

Friendly, Fun Atmosphere to Comfort Kids

Although some kids genuinely require sedation based on their more severe anxiety, special needs, or other circumstances, others may simply need to feel reassured and more at ease before their appointment starts. Pediatric dental offices tend to be designed with kids in mind, meaning the décor and amenities appeal to younger patients. Friendly staff, games, books, and toys can distract kids and help them feel safe and comfortable, potentially reducing the need for sedation in the chair!

Multiple Sedation Options for Kids

Kids aren’t one-size-fits-all for clothing, learning styles, and personalities; they have various needs and deserve to have their care customized to give them the best experience possible. If your pediatric dentist offers just one choice for sedation, your child could be stuck with something that doesn’t quite match their situation or needs. Several available sedatives allow you and your pediatric dentist to find the perfect one for each young patient.

For instance, kids with special needs may need a more powerful choice like IV sedation, or if your child has just a little bit of anxiety, mild nitrous oxide can take the edge off without over-medicating them.

Access to a Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist

Under certain circumstances, deep sedation or complete unconsciousness may be necessary to perform long procedures. In this situation, it’s comforting to know whether your pediatric dentist has contact and can coordinate with a certified pediatric anesthesiologist at a local hospital for successful, smooth treatment. This connection can enable even patients with severe special or medical conditions to undergo necessary procedures without trauma or struggle.

In the end, you must select a sedation dentist for kids who will understand their needs and have the means to meet them. If you look for these characteristics in a pediatric dental office, you’ll find a highly trained and equipped professional who can turn tortuous dental appointments into smile-saving, stress-free successes!

About the Practice

At Coastal Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. James Forester and Dr. Natalie Vander Kam excel in creating positive memories and experiences for young patients. In addition to creating a comfortable environment for kids and parents, we can provide multiple choices for sedation, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and even full general anesthesia to keep your little one perfectly calm and comfortable throughout their time with us. If you would like to take advantage of sedation for your child’s next visit, please let us know about it in advance so that we can plan a customized sedation plan when you book the appointment. Contact us online or call our San Luis Obispo office at 805-592-2020 today.