Pediatric Sedation Dentistry in Knoxville

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, we know that going to the dentist is not something that kids always look forward to, which is why our practice was designed to make our young patients’ experiences as fun and relaxed as possible. We offer relaxing sedation dentistry for kids that can ease their nerves and make their appointments feel like a breeze. If you would like to learn more about pediatric dental anesthesia or to make an appointment with our team, please get in touch with one of our friendly front office staff members.

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How can I ease my child’s dental anxiety?

There are a few things parents can try instead of or in addition to dental sedation. Talking about dentistry positively and emphasizing the importance of visiting the dentist regularly can go a long way in making your child feel better. If your child has never been to our practice before, you are more than welcome to bring them in for a preliminary visit where they can meet our team and get a feel for our office.

It’s always good to talk about what they can expect to happen during their appointment, and avoid using words like “painful,” “shot,” or “drill” as well. If they are still experiencing dental anxiety, our safe sedation options are always available to help make your little one feel comfortable and at-ease.

What is the difference between conscious sedation and IV sedation?

IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation where a patient is relaxed enough that they may fall asleep during treatment, but they are never completely unconscious and can be awakened with a gentle shake. IV sedation allows the dentist to control what level of sedation the patient receives, and they may have little to no memory of the appointment despite being conscious.

Our practice also offers general anesthesia, which is usually reserved for more complex procedures where it is best if the patient is unconscious. Your child will likely feel worn out after they’ve been put under general anesthesia, so we recommend taking them home right after their appointment to let them rest and relax.

Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?

At Children’s Dentistry of Knoxville, your child’s safety and well-being is our number one priority. We never recommend treatments that are not in your child’s best interest, and we always discuss our treatment plans with a child’s parent or guardian before utilizing dental sedation. Pediatric dental sedation is both safe and effective for most children to utilize. We always take factors like the patients’ age, weight, and medical history into account before creating their treatment plan and administering sedation. If you have any questions or concerns for our team, please don’t hesitate to call our office or use our online contact form.