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Is your child nervous about going to the dentist? Does the thought of dental work make them scared or anxious? You're not alone. Many children feel worried about dental appointments. Oral sedation can help your child stay calm and relaxed during their treatment.
Ready to give your child a stress-free dental experience? Call us today to learn more!
Oral sedation is a safe way to help your child relax during dental procedures. Your child takes liquid medicine before the appointment. This medicine makes them feel very calm and sleepy, but they stay awake during treatment.
Think of it like your child feeling drowsy and peaceful. They can still respond to the dentist, but they won't feel scared or worried. The best part? Most children don't remember the dental work afterward. They only remember what you tell them after!
Our main concern is to provide high quality care and a positive dental experience for your child. We recommend sedation to help accomplish these goals easily and as comfortably as possible.
Your child will not be asleep but will remember only what you tell them after the procedure. The particular combination and dosage of medications we select is individually tailored by weight to your child's specific needs. This personalized approach helps your child by providing complete amnesia for 3 hours, preventing them from being emotionally traumatized by the dental experience.
Keep in mind that all children respond to medications differently. Some children exhibit calm behavior, and some become more uncooperative initially. To help ensure a successful sedation appointment, your understanding and cooperation is very important. Sedation will be given orally in liquid form, making it easy for your child to take.
The particular combination and dosage of medications selected is individually tailored by weight to your child’s needs. It will help your child by providing complete amnesia for 3 hours preventing the child from being emotionally traumatized. Keep in mind that all children respond to medications differently. Some children exhibit calm behavior, and some become more uncooperative. To help ensure a successful sedation appointment your understanding and cooperation is important. Sedation will be given orally in liquid form.
Some children need extra help to feel comfortable at the dentist. Oral sedation is perfect for kids who:
Makes Dental Visits Easier- Your child stays calm throughout the treatment. No tears, no fear, just peaceful relaxation.
Prevents Bad Memories- The medicine creates complete amnesia for about 3 hours. Your child won't remember the procedure, which means no emotional trauma or fear for future visits.
Gets More Done in One Visit- Because your child is so comfortable, the dentist can complete multiple treatments in a single appointment. This means fewer trips to the dentist!
Safe and Tailored to Your Child- We carefully choose the right medicine and dosage based on your child's weight and needs. Every child gets personalized care.
Helps Build Positive Dental Attitudes- When children don't remember scary dental experiences, they develop healthier attitudes about dental care as they grow.
Important Health Information: Please tell us if your child gets sick within a few days of the appointment. If your child has a cold, fever, or any illness, we need to reschedule for their safety. We never sedate sick children.
Fasting Instructions: This is very important! Do not give your child anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night before the appointment. This helps the medicine work properly and prevents vomiting during sedation.
Medications: Don't give your child any other medicines on the day of the appointment unless you've talked to Dr. Jacobs first.
What to Wear: Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothes. Pajamas are perfectly fine and actually recommended!
Plan Your Day: Don't schedule any activities for your child after the appointment. Plan for a quiet, relaxing day at home.
Parent Must Stay: A responsible adult must come with your child and stay until treatment is complete.
Your child will receive the sedation medicine in liquid form. It tastes okay and is easy to take. Once the medicine starts working, your child will feel very relaxed and drowsy. We monitor your child closely throughout the entire procedure. Our trained team watches their heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels to ensure safety. Your child will also receive local numbing medicine so they don't feel any pain during the dental work. The combination of sedation and numbing ensures complete comfort.
Special Parking: When you arrive and leave, use our reserved "SEDATE PARKING" spots on the side of the building near the fence. This makes it easier to get your child in and out safely.
Going Home: Most children are sleepy after sedation. Your child might:
These effects last about 3-4 hours. Many children go home and take a long nap.
Eating After Sedation:Your child might be hungry since they didn't eat before the appointment. Wait until the numbness from the local anesthetic wears off before giving solid foods. Soft foods that don't need much chewing work best.
Pain Management:Your child will receive Ibuprofen with the sedation medicine. Continue giving Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours as directed. Our assistant will tell you when to give the next dose. Use Ibuprofen, not Tylenol, for the best results.
Yes! Oral sedation is very safe when done by trained pediatric dental professionals. We have years of experience helping children through dental procedures comfortably.
We carefully review your child's health history before recommending sedation. The medicine dosage is individually calculated based on your child's weight and specific needs.
Important to Know: Every child responds to sedation differently. Most children become calm and relaxed. Some might become a bit more uncooperative initially before the medicine fully works. This is normal and our team knows how to handle it.
Your cooperation and understanding help make sedation successful. Following our instructions carefully ensures the best experience for your child.
Oral sedation helps us complete many types of dental work, including:
Sometimes even routine cleanings can be done with sedation if your child has severe anxiety.
No, your child stays awake but very drowsy and relaxed. They can respond to the dentist but won't feel scared. Some children doze lightly but can be gently awakened if needed.
No. We use local numbing medicine along with sedation. Your child won't feel any pain during treatment.
The amnesia (memory loss) lasts about 3 hours. The drowsy, relaxed feeling can last 3-4 hours after leaving our office.
That's okay! Every child reacts differently. Just keep activities quiet and calm regardless of whether they nap.
Most children can safely have oral sedation. We'll review your child's health to make sure it's right for them. Certain medical conditions might make sedation not appropriate.
Many dental insurance plans cover sedation when it's medically necessary. We can help you check your benefits and explain costs.
When you arrive for your appointment, we have reserved a special area for you on the side of our office closest to where your child receives treatment. The area is the last few parking spots located toward the back of the building closest to the fence near the side entrance labeled SEDATE PARKING.
Dr. Leslie Jacobs specializes in pediatric dentistry and has extensive experience for children. Our entire team is trained to work with kids and make them feel safe and comfortable.
We understand that every child is different. We take time to understand your child's specific needs and fears. Our goal is to provide high-quality dental care while creating positive experiences.
Your child's safety and comfort are our top priorities. We follow strict safety protocols and monitor children closely throughout their visit.
Don't let worry keep your child from getting the care they need. We're here to help make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
113 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
