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Dr. Davis and her staff were very patient with my tired teen when she needed to get a couple of teeth extracted at our last visit. We’ve been going to Healthy Smiles for years and I’m so glad we do. They are always timely, professional, friendly and effective!
Excellent team of professionals. Dr. Davis is so warm and friendly. The dentist can be scary for kids and that was never the case going to Healthy Smiles. 10 out of 10.
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Very friendly stuff and very efficient Dr Davis was amazing 🤩
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12398 FM 423, Suite 1900, Frisco, TX 75033
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Dental Phobia & Sedation

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(214) 436-4774

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Mon / 8a – 4p
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A little nervousness before going to the dentist is normal but there are cases when anxiety is so severe, it turns into a phobia. Your child may experience significant distress in the days leading up to a dental appointment, may cling for dear life inside your car once you arrive and may be completely terrified during any dental procedure. Pediatric sedation is an option your dentist in Frisco can offer to help ease your child during the visit.

What Is Dental Phobia?

Dental phobia, also known as odontophobia, is a serious condition that refers to the fear of dentists. There are many reasons why a child may be afraid of the dentist. It could be fear of the dentist, which may or may not have originated after a negative experience in a specific dental office. However, much like how “white coat syndrome” occurs with adults, dental phobia can exist in children even if they have not had a negative experience with another dentist. Children may also be worried about pain or about needles if they’ve previously had dental work. The sensation of tools inside your child’s mouth may also be a trigger for them, as well as the bright lights, smells and sounds.

child focusing on teeth mould

Sedation for Dental Phobia

Pediatric sedation with your dentist in Frisco can completely alter your child’s experience when visiting for a dental appointment. What used to be a tense and terrifying event can become a calm, soothing experience during which they relax into the chair without intense fear and anxiety. When children are afraid, they may try to get up from the chair and remain restless throughout their visit, which could result in staying at the dentist longer than needed. Your child could also become visibly and audibly upset, crying and reaching for you while the dentist attempts to complete an exam or procedure. In these cases, pediatric sedation can allow your child to relax and allow the dentist to get you in and out of the office in no time.

Types of Sedation

There are two primary types of sedation that work best for children. They include:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide has been used in dental practices for decades. It’s a gas that is administered via a nasal mask. You’ve probably heard its moniker, “laughing gas.” This form of sedation is one of the safest types of sedation and provides several effects your child can benefit from, including sedation, euphoria and mild pain relief.
Oral Conscious Sedation

This type of sedation is a stronger option than nitrous oxide. This medication is administered orally and allows your child to relax fully during the dental procedure. Your child does remain conscious but may fall asleep due to the sedating effects. There are some lingering effects after administration, so your child may experience grogginess after your visit.

Sedation can prevent psychological trauma, especially in children who have dental phobia. Without sedation, visits to the dentist may worsen an already several dental phobia, which could affect your child’s overall health.

Frequently asked Questions

Sedation Dentistry

We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation in the office. You and the dentist will discuss the options and choose the right course for your child. For more extreme cases, see our Hospital Sedation Dentistry page.
Ensuring your child is comfortable and feels safe is paramount. We want them to feel at ease at the dentist and to alleviate their fears. A calm child enables our team is able to thoroughly perform exams, X-rays, cleanings, or restorative work to maintain optimal oral health.
Contact Information
12398 FM 423, Suite 1900
Frisco, TX 75033

(214) 436-4774

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