Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Helping Little Beach Buddies Relax
Part of our fun and positive dental experience is helping your little beach buddy relax and rest easy during treatment. If dental treatment makes your child apprehensive, nervous or anxious, Dr. Marissa at Coconut Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Torrance, CA can help. Working together with you, we create a personalized sedation plan for your child to help bring the sunshine back while we perform any necessary dental treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry for Your Child?
All little patients who experience dental anxiety may benefit from our personalized approach to Sedation. If your child has any of the following fears or anxieties, please ask our team at Coconut Smiles Pediatric Dentistry about sedation solutions:
- Are afraid of needles and/or shots
- Experienced a traumatic dental visit in the past
- Struggle with the smells or noises of being at a dentist's office
- Have overly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or trouble getting numb
- Require a more complex dental treatment plan
- want a more comfortable dental treatment experience
Personalized Sedation Solutions
Sedation dentistry can be an important part of ensuring a relaxing patient experience. Dr. Marissa works together with you to determine the sedation approach that best matches the treatment and the needs of your child.
We offer the following sedation options for a safe, relaxing, comfortable, treatment experience.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as "laughing gas," is commonly used to make children that feel anxious in the dental chair relax and rest easy. Your child will breathe in this magical air to produce a state of relaxation throughout treatment like floating in peaceful waters. In a few short moments, anxiety disappears and is replaced by relaxation. This simple sedation method offers the least amount of risk and any side effects vanish as soon as the mask comes off. Once treatment is over, the nitrous oxide quickly leaves the system, which means a short recovery time! Depending on your child’s needs, we can use laughing gas for treatments ranging from regular cleanings to more advanced procedures.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the most reliable and effective sedation option we offer at Coconut Smiles, thanks to our collaboration with top notch dental anesthesiologists. With the support of an anesthesiologist, this level of sedation ensures that all dental treatments can be completed without the patient having any memory of the procedure. Throughout the entire treatment, the anesthesiologist is dedicated to administering the appropriate dosage of medication to keep your child comfortable and fully sedated. This allows Dr. Marissa Carvalho to focus entirely on delivering safe, effective, and efficient care for the best possible outcome. We typically recommend IV sedation for young children, children with special needs, or those experiencing high anxiety, especially when they require treatment for multiple cavities.
Should I choose sedation dentistry?
Only you and Dr. Marissa can decide if sedation is the right option for your child. Before considering sedation dentistry, your child’s medical history will be reviewed, and medical clearance from their pediatrician is required to determine eligibility. Since sedation options vary, it's important to consult with Dr. Marissa to discuss whether nitrous oxide (N2O) or IV Sedation is best suited for your child’s needs. Eligibility for sedation will depend on factors such as age, health, and any medications your child may be taking.
What to expect on IV sedation day
Upon arrival at Coconut Smiles, your child’s weight will be taken, and a health survey will be completed. What and when your child last ate or drank will be discussed and noted. The anesthesiologist will meet with you and your child, conduct an airway and heart examination to ensure your child is in good health to safely undergo IV Sedation. A parent may accompany the child to the treatment room to help with the initial sedation mask. Afterward, the parent will be escorted to the waiting room, and the dental procedure will typically take 1-2 hours, depending on the treatment needs.
Ask our team at Coconut Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Torrance, CA about sedation solutions for your child.
We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
Call (424)228-8229 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.