Helping Children Feel Comfortable, Confident, and Cared For
We understand that every child is unique, and sometimes a little extra support is needed to make dental treatment a positive experience. Whether your child feels anxious about dental visits, has special healthcare needs, or requires extensive dental treatment, we’re here to help make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
At our office, Dr. Julie Russo and Dr. Alexandra Jensen believe that every child deserves compassionate, personalized dental care. That’s why we offer different comfort and anesthesia options designed to meet the individual needs of our patients.
Our doctors carefully consider your child’s age, medical history, dental needs, and ability to comfortably and safely complete treatment before recommending the most appropriate approach.
Our goal is simple: to provide excellent dental care in a safe, supportive environment where children feel cared for and parents feel confident.
Our Comfort and Anesthesia Options
Nitrous Oxide: A Little Help for Nervous Smiles
Sometimes all it takes is a little extra relaxation to make a dental visit easier!
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a gentle relaxation option that helps many children feel calmer and more comfortable during dental treatment.
Your child breathes the nitrous oxide through a small, comfortable nose mask while remaining awake, responsive, and able to communicate with our dental team.
One of the great benefits of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off quickly after the gas is discontinued. Our team will provide guidance on returning to normal activities following the appointment.
For many children, nitrous oxide can make dental treatment a much more relaxed and positive experience!
IV Sedation (Office-Based Anesthesia): Extra Support for Children Who Need It
For some children, completing dental treatment while awake may be difficult or simply not the best option. When extensive dental care is needed, or when a child’s age, anxiety, or individual needs make traditional treatment challenging, IV sedation (office-based anesthesia) may be recommended.
We work with a physician anesthesiologist who specializes in administering and monitoring anesthesia while our pediatric dentist focuses entirely on your child’s dental treatment.
The anesthesiologist carefully evaluates your child’s medical history, develops an individualized anesthesia plan, monitors your child throughout the procedure, and oversees their recovery.
Our priority is always your child’s safety and well-being. Not every child is a candidate for anesthesia in a dental office, and some children may be better suited for treatment in a hospital or surgery center.
Every recommendation is made with your child’s individual needs and safety in mind.
Is Sedation Right for My Child?
Every child is different, and that’s okay! Some children breeze through dental appointments, while others need a little extra patience, reassurance, or support. We understand that, and we’re here to help!
Sedation or anesthesia may be considered for children who:
- Feel especially anxious or fearful about dental treatment, making it difficult to relax or cooperate.
- Need extensive dental treatment, such as multiple fillings or crowns, that may be difficult to complete over several appointments.
- Are very young and not yet developmentally ready to remain still or cooperate during treatment.
- Have special healthcare needs that make traditional dental treatment more challenging.
- Experience a strong gag reflex or heightened sensitivity that interferes with receiving necessary dental care.
Before recommending any sedation or anesthesia option, our doctors carefully review your child’s medical history, dental needs, and available treatment approaches.
When anesthesia is being considered, the physician anesthesiologist also evaluates your child to determine whether the proposed anesthesia plan and treatment setting are appropriate.
We believe parents should feel informed, comfortable, and confident in every decision about their child’s care. We’ll take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and work together to determine the best approach for your child.
Preparing for Your Child’s Sedation Appointment
A little preparation helps everything go more smoothly! We know that preparing your child for a sedation or anesthesia appointment can bring up lots of questions. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you know what to expect.
Before your child’s appointment, we’ll provide detailed written instructions that cover:
- Eating and drinking: When your child needs to stop eating and drinking before their appointment.
- Medications and medical history: Which medications and health concerns should be discussed with our team and the anesthesia provider.
- What to expect: Helpful information about the appointment, anesthesia process, and recovery.
- Heading home: Instructions for transportation, adult supervision, and caring for your child after treatment.
Following these instructions carefully is extremely important for your child’s safety. If you have any questions before the appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us!
Our goal is to help you feel prepared and confident every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation safe for children?
Your child’s safety is always our highest priority!
Sedation and anesthesia can be safe and effective options for appropriately selected children when provided by qualified professionals following established safety guidelines.
Our team carefully reviews each child’s health history and treatment needs. When anesthesia is provided, the anesthesia team uses appropriate monitoring equipment, follows established safety protocols, and evaluates your child’s recovery before discharge.
As with any medical procedure, sedation and anesthesia carry some risks. We believe in open communication and will take the time to discuss the benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives so you can make an informed decision about your child’s care.
Will my child remember the appointment?
That depends on the type of sedation or anesthesia used.
With nitrous oxide, children remain awake and responsive and generally remember their visit.
With deeper levels of sedation or general anesthesia, children may remember very little or nothing about the procedure. Every child responds differently, so we cannot guarantee how much your child will remember.
Our team will explain what you can expect based on the treatment approach recommended for your child.
Does dental insurance cover sedation or anesthesia?
Insurance coverage varies depending on your plan, the type of sedation or anesthesia, and your child’s treatment needs.
Our friendly team will help review your benefits and provide an estimate of anticipated costs before treatment so you can plan with confidence.
Learn more in our Learning Center: IV Sedation | Nitrous Oxide | Calming an Anxious Child
We’re Here to Help Your Child Smile with Confidence!
Choosing sedation or anesthesia for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to support your family every step of the way. Whether your child needs a little extra relaxation with nitrous oxide or more comprehensive care with the help of a physician anesthesiologist, our focus remains the same: quality dental treatment that puts your child’s comfort, safety, and well-being first.
Have questions about sedation dentistry for your child? We’d love to talk with you!
TOP PEDIATRIC DENTIST IN CLERMONT
Serving Clermont's Families for over 20 years
We are currently accepting new patients and very excited to work with you and your child.