If your child has been diagnosed with dental decay, restoration or filling of these cavities is often a difficult task in children, especially those under the age of six. Often they are more apprehensive and less cooperative. The following are various methods to treat your child’s dental needs.

 Treatment With Nitrous Oxide Analgesia And Local Anesthesia

Nitrous oxide or “happy gas” is administered to help your child relax during the dental procedure. Local anesthesia or Novacaine is administered by injection to make sure your child has no discomfort when the dental treatment is performed.

Treatment With Nitrous Oxide Analgesia, Local Anesthesia And Oral Sedation

In addition to nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, a sedative agent may be prescribed. This sedative agent is taken prior to the appointment. It DOES NOT “put your child to sleep,” but is more relaxing than nitrous oxide. Oral sedation is most often used in children under the age of four, as they are generally more anxious about dental treatment.

Treatment With General Anesthesia

General anesthesia may be suggested to you when the other methods have not been successful and dental treatment cannot be safely performed in the dental office. This form of treatment involves more risks and complications than nitrous oxide, local anesthesia, and oral sedation. General anesthesia is administered ONLY in a hospital. Your child will be “asleep” or under general anesthesia for the dental procedure.

Postponing dental treatment may lead to more extensive dental treatment, resulting in higher costs to restore your child to optimal dental health.  Teeth that have decay and are not restored, will have an increased risk of nerve damage, infection, pain, loss of teeth, and orthodontic problems from early loss of teeth. 

The doctor will discuss with you the various treatment options and which method is most appropriate for your child.  

 

Pediatric Dental Center

 

Warren, MI 

 

Dr. Shah, Dr. O’Riordan