Dentistry Designed to Calm and Comfort. Turning Fear Into Fun
Does your child feel nervous about dental visits? You’re not alone! Early trips to the dentist—ideally by their first birthday—can set the stage for a lifetime of positive experiences.
We understand that kids react differently to dental care, some might be nervous, others might be curious, and some might need extra reassurance. At Dentistry for Children & Adolescents, we create a safe, soothing environment to help them feel at ease. If your child has fears, we’re here to make their dental journey safe, comfortable, and even fun!
Creating Positive Pediatric Dental Experiences For Lifelong Oral Health
Fear-Free Dentistry with Our Special Techniques
We’ve got a toolbox full of tricks to help ease your child’s worries without using medication. Here are some of our favorite ways to make the experience feel less daunting:
- Tell-Show-Do Technique: We explain what we’re doing, show how it works, and then gently perform the treatment.
- Modeling Technique: Nervous kids can watch a calm, cooperative peer to see there’s nothing to fear.
- Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging words, high-fives, and even small rewards for bravery!
- Distraction & Coaching: Keeping little minds occupied and focused on the positive.
- Parental Participation: You’re welcome to join in and help your child feel secure.
Using these approaches, we help kids overcome their fears and even look forward to their next visit!
For the Extra Anxious Moments
Sometimes, even the best techniques need a little backup. For kids with high anxiety, oral aversions, or special healthcare needs, sedation dentistry can be a game-changer. Our goal? To make dental care stress-free, safe, and as smooth as possible.
Sedation Options Tailored for Your Child
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Perfect for calming nerves while keeping your child fully awake. Nitrous Oxide is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry since your child remains fully conscious during treatment. It’s ideal for kids with mild anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or sensitivity to the sights and sounds of treatment. Nitrous oxide may not be effective on a very young child, a child that is uncomfortable wearing a nasal mask and/or a child that is crying during treatment.
IV Sedation
A deeper level of relaxation that mimics natural sleep while still allowing your child to breathe on their own. It is not the same as general anesthesia used in a hospital. IV sedation is particularly effective for patients that show extreme fear of dental procedures, young children that require extensive treatment and some patients with special healthcare needs. It allows the child to complete all his dental treatment in one visit eliminating the need for repeat visits. IV Sedation is administered and supervised by a pediatric anesthesiologist at our office.
General Anesthesia
A controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during dental treatment. Breathing and vital signs are assisted and always monitored by a licensed physician who specializes in anesthesia. General anesthesia requires a hospital setting where potential complications can be minimized. It provides safe, efficient and effective dental care for patients who cannot cooperate due to extreme anxiety and/or certain physical, mental or medically compromising conditions.
With over 30 years of experience in pediatric sedation dentistry, Dr. Santos-Cordero has the training and expertise to recommend the best option for your child. From nitrous oxide to hospital dentistry at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, we’ve got every angle covered!
Call us at (941) 909-2979
