Undergoing dental treatment is not always an easy thing for children. Very frequently, the most difficult part of the treatment is dealing with the child’s anxieties and resultant negative behaviors. These behaviors can make treatment difficult and even potentially dangerous for the child and the care-giving staff. In order to provide dental care to our patients, we have the following methods of behavior management available. The pediatric dentist will help the parents decide which method is best for their child.
Tell-Show-Do
Usually children 4 years old and up with a few simple cavities respond to this. Behavior modification, desensitization and modeling used with local anesthetic.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Children over 5 or 6 with the ability to accept the nasal hood and follow directions. For simple to moderately complex or uncomfortable procedures. Used with local anesthetic.
Oral Sedation
Very young children with moderate to high anxiety levels who require dental treatment. An oral medicine, usually midazolam (Versed) or chloral hydrate, is administered 20 to 60 minutes before treatment time. The child must have a healthy respiratory system and an empty stomach. Vital signs are monitored by pulse oximetry during the procedure. After the procedure, parents monitor the usually sleepy child as the sedation wears off at home.
General Anesthetic (two formats)
- General anesthesia in the dental office is recommended for the healthy young child who is extremely anxious with extensive and challenging restoration needs. A general anesthetic is administered by an anesthesiologist.
Dr. Michael Higgins (847) 934-7400
Dr. Zak Messieha (630) 290-8624
www.officeanesthesiology.com - General anesthesia in the hospital (usually Central DuPage Hospital) is recommended for the child with multiple medical problems and high risk concerns. Dr. Lambert is on staff at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Il.
