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.
We know every child is unique, and sometimes sedation is the best way to ensure a positive dental experience. Sedation may be recommended if:
Our team is here to discuss whether sedation is right for your child and guide you through the entire process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To ensure a smooth and safe sedation experience:
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.