Monterey Pediatric Dentistry
Our dental team is excited to welcome you and your child to our office! The goal of your child’s first dental visit is to learn about his or her oral health and how to best care for your child’s unique needs. It is important to us to establish a relationship with you and your child. We want both of you to feel comfortable and to have positive dental health experiences.
It is not important for a young child to be cooperative for their dental appointment. We will examine older children in the dental chair and the younger children on your lap in a private office setting.
Services
- Routine and periodontal cleanings
- Digital x-rays for less radiation
- Nitrous Oxide
- In-Office IV Sedation
- Hospital Dentistry
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Sealants
- Extractions
- Nightguards/Athletic Mouthgguards
- Overhead TV’s
Sedation
Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen – or what you may know as laughing gas – to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, and it is quickly eliminated from the body and it is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all of their natural reflexes.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
- Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
I.V. Sedation
I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that do not work well under conscious sedation. Our dentist performs the dental treatment in our office with the child anesthetized under I.V. sedation, which is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.
Outpatient General Anesthesia
Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that do not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed or having a hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only.