They may be small, but even kids can have big fears. Whether it’s monsters under the bed, apprehension about swimming, or anxiety about visiting the dentist, when your child is afraid, it can make even the most routine activities a challenge. Naturally, as a parent you want to ease their mind and bring them comfort. If they’re afraid of the dark, you can provide them with a nightlight. If they’re afraid of the water, they can wear a floatation device. But what happens when they need a dental exam? You can’t just let them skip their semi-annual checkup. Avoiding the dentist can worsen any existing dental problems, meaning by the time they do agree to a checkup, they may require more intervention than they would have if they’d gone sooner. This can in turn give them even more anxiety.
Thankfully, however, there is a solution. It’s called sedation dentistry, and it’s a safe and effective way to help ease some of your child’s dental anxiety so they feel relaxed enough to attend their dental appointment. Here’s how it works.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is when your child’s dentist administers a sedative prior to their exam or procedure to lessen their anxiety. There are several types of sedation available, depending on how severe their symptoms are.
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