Kids Sedation Dentistry in Ballantyne & Charlotte, NC
At Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many children. That’s why we are committed to providing a safe, comfortable experience through personalized sedation options tailored to your child’s needs. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Scott L. Weinstein, offers expert pediatric dental care in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas of Arboretum, Waxhaw, and Indian Trail.
Understanding the Process
We know every child is unique, and sometimes sedation is the best way to ensure a positive dental experience. Sedation may be recommended if:
- Your child experiences significant anxiety about dental visits.
- They are too young to cooperate fully or have difficulty remaining still.
- An extensive treatment plan needs to be completed in fewer appointments.
- Your child has medical conditions or special needs that require specialized care.
Our team is here to discuss whether sedation is right for your child and guide you through the entire process.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective way to help your child relax during dental procedures. This mild sedation keeps your child awake yet calm, ensuring they have a positive experience. Each treatment plan is customized to your child’s specific needs, and we only recommend sedation when absolutely necessary.
Sedation
Oral conscious sedation (OCS) provides a deeper level of relaxation for children who need it. This non-invasive method involves administering medication that helps your child feel drowsy and relaxed, allowing for a more comfortable dental experience. We used versed which is extremely safe, does not cause respiratory depression to the level of narcotic medications, causes an amnesic effect so your child is unlikely to remember the procedure, and gets in/out of their system very quickly. When combined with Nitrous Oxide, this approach helps ease anxiety, decreases gag reflexes, and ensures your child’s comfort throughout the procedure.
Dentistry Under General Anesthesia
For procedures when oral conscious sedation is inadequate, we also offer hospital dentistry and in-office general anesthesia services in a controlled, safe environment. This option is ideal for children with extensive dental needs, severe anxiety, or specific medical conditions. We ensure your child receives the highest standard of care, supported by comprehensive medical resources.
General anesthesia sedation is recommended for children that have a high level of anxiety or have an inability to cooperate in a normal dental setting. This may include nervous children, very young children, or children with special needs that would not work well under oral conscious sedation. Dr. Weinstein will perform the dental treatment in our office; however, your child will have the benefit of general anesthesia administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.
General anesthesia will put your child into a deep sleep and they will be unable to feel pain or move around.
To prepare your child for general anesthesia, follow the guidelines given to you by the doctor regarding food and fluid intake before and after the procedure. Discuss the procedure with your child using simple terms that he or she can understand. Let your child rest quietly at home after the procedure. They will most likely be ready to resume their normal schedule the day after their procedure.
The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the entire procedure both induction and wake up. Because of the important nature of the treatment, we strongly recommend that a second adult be available to drive the child home so that one parent is able to sit with the child.
The fees charged by the anesthesiologist are separate from our office and will not be filed by us. Our office cannot make any estimates or guarantees about the reimbursement for these out-of-pocket costs.
Prioritizing Safety
Your child’s safety is our top priority. At Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry, we use state-of-the-art anesthesia medications and hospital-grade monitoring equipment, ensuring the safest experience possible. Our commitment to excellence means your child is in the best hands during their treatment.
Why Choose Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry?
- Comfort and Familiarity: We provide care from the comfort of our dental office, avoiding the stress and anxiety associated with a hospital setting. Your child can bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help them feel more at ease during their appointment.
- Efficiency: Sedation allows our dentists to work in a calm, movement-free environment, often reducing the number of appointments needed to complete your child’s treatment plan.
- Minimizing Fear: Our sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, help minimize fear of needles, drills, and other potentially distressing aspects of dental procedures, especially for younger children or those with special needs.
Policies
To ensure a smooth and safe sedation experience:
Parental Presence: We welcome parents in the back for hygiene and most operative dental procedures but we ask that only 1 parent be present and no other children during operative procedures as we want the child to be able to pay attention to instructions from Dr. Scott and staff. While we understand that you may want to assist in the procedure, we ask that parents remain passive observers so that the child does not receive conflicting information. Dr. Scott has been a pediatric dentist for nearly 25 years and his staff are all highly experienced in working with children with a goal of giving your child the best experience possible
Preoperative Instructions: Detailed guidelines will be provided prior to your appointment, including dietary restrictions and instructions on managing daily medications. Following these instructions is crucial for your child’s safety.
Postoperative Care: After the procedure, we’ll give you specific instructions for home care to ensure a smooth recovery for your child.
Insurance and Financial Policies: While we do not partner directly with private insurance companies, we provide the necessary documentation for you to submit claims. Coverage may vary, so please consult your insurance provider for details. We also offer various payment options to accommodate your needs.
Patient Privacy: We adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect your child’s personal and medical information, ensuring their privacy and safety.
If you have any questions or concerns about sedation dentistry at Ballantyne Pediatric Dentistry, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide your child with the best possible care.