Solutions for Children's Dental Anxiety in Decatur, IL
Our pediatric dental office knows that it can be tough for anyone, especially a child, to keep their mouth open for a prolonged period of time. Sometimes, particularly when special needs come into play, it may not be possible at all.
This is why we offer hospital sedation in some cases. If your child has a special need that keeps them from being able to successfully be treated the traditional way or needs extensive work done, Dr. Bret, your dentist in Decatur and our dental staff will work with your family to come up with the best dental treatment plan for you and your child.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Children's Sedation Dentistry in Decatur, IL?
In most cases, treatment can be completed at our Decatur dental office. If we feel that your child could benefit from hospital sedation, however, we will discuss the situation with you beforehand and answer any questions you might have.
Patients who benefit the most from hospital sedation are those who:
- Have special needs
- Are too young to follow directions
- Need multiple fillings
- Require time-intensive treatment
- Are receiving extensive care or oral surgery
Why Hospital Sedation with Jerger Pediatric Dentistry?
Hospital sedation in Decatur allows Dr. Bret and our staff to work on multiple teeth in one sitting without added trauma to your child. If your child has a lot of decay or a complicated dental issue, often treatment is much simpler and less frightening for them if they are sedated. With hospital sedation, your child blissfully sleeps through the entire procedure! Children with special needs who require extra attention, have extreme anxiety, or are unable to control the movements of their bodies (such as occurs in cerebral palsy) may also benefit from the use of hospital sedation.
Hospital sedation near 62549 is done on a case-by-case basis after Dr. Bret determines whether it is the best option for your child. Your child’s safety and comfort is our utmost concern, and we work hard to make sure that their needs are met. Hospital sedation is safe and effective, but like any anesthesia, some risks are involved. Dr. Bret, your dentist in Decatur will discuss these with you and work with you to help you make the best decision for your child’s care.
What Happens During Sedation Dentistry in the Area?
Before your child’s sedation appointment, we will give you a list of instructions that clearly explain what happens during their procedure and what is required from you. You and your child meet us at the hospital in the morning or afternoon. Once your child is sedated, we will do the work that is needed on your child’s smile. After your child wakes up, we will explain what was done and any care required at home.
Where and When Do You Provide Hospital Sedation Dentistry?
Hospital dental procedures are done on Friday mornings or afternoons at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, IL. The time is determined by available openings and the amount of work required.
Contact Us About Sedation Dentistry in Decatur, IL
To ask questions or schedule a hospital sedation visit, call our office at (217) 875-3080.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a parent, the idea of your child feeling afraid can fill you with a sense of dread. Your attitude plays a significant role in your child feeling comfortable at the dentist. Even if you have a fear of the dentist, it is always a good idea to maintain a positive and even celebratory attitude about your child’s first visit. For a children's dentist in Decatur, IL, who will make dental visits easy and engaging for your little one, we invite you to contact Jerger Pediatric Dentistry to book an appointment.
For children who have anxiety or difficulty sitting still, nitrous oxide is often a safe and reliable way to induce a sense of calm in your little one. Most kids respond well to nitrous oxide, and since it has no long-lasting effects, you can count on your child being back to their regular antics in no time.
Comfortable Children's Dentistry in 62526
For children with disabilities or behavioral challenges, we do work with a local hospital for sedation options. This is especially convenient for children facing extensive treatment such as many fillings or extractions.
We want your child to feel safe and cared for while they are with us. Let's talk about your child’s unique needs when you give us a call.
In most situations, we can care for your child's teeth and gums without the need for hospital sedation, helping them maintain a healthy, happy smile. However, in our Decatur dentist office, we offer hospital sedation in cases where it's most appropriate.
Who Needs Hospital Sedation?
Hospital sedation is often useful when a child needs extensive or time-consuming dental work, like multiple fillings or oral surgery. With hospital sedation, your child sleeps through the entire procedure, making it a stress-free experience.
We also may use hospital sedation when we perform dental work for our younger patients who aren't old enough to follow directions properly during a procedure and for our patients with special needs.
When you visit our Decatur dental office, Dr. Bret Jerger will consider your child's situation and dental needs, recommending hospital sedation if it's appropriate.
Dental Anxiety in Children
Hospital sedation may be a great choice for your child if they suffer from dental anxiety. If your child is nervous about an upcoming procedure, we encourage you to discuss the issue with Dr. Bret so he can help you make the best decision for your little one's dental care.
Hospital Sedation in Decatur, IL
At Jerger Pediatric Dentistry, we offer sedation dentistry to our young patients to ensure relaxing, productive dental appointments. If your child needs hospital sedation, we urge you to reach out to our knowledgeable team to schedule a consultation.
Sedation is a process that helps induce a state of calm or sleep through the administering of medication under close supervision by a trained medical professional. Our dental clinic offers sedation dentistry in Decatur, IL, when your child finds dental procedures incredibly challenging. For these patients, we use the type of sedation called hospital sedation.
If your child’s teeth require complicated or more lengthy treatments, we will discuss how we can address potentially problematic reactions to care. With hospital sedation, your child blissfully sleeps through the entire procedure.
Several following factors may make your child a good candidate for hospital sedation, such:
- Special needs
- Very young and unable to follow directions
- Time-intensive treatment like multiple fillings
- Intense anxiety or other factors making treatment difficult
Other Methods to Make Dental Treatments Easier
While sedation options rely on medication for efficacy, we advocate softer methods for helping your children. For example, things as simple as kid-friendly vocabulary can go a long way toward addressing concerns. In addition, our staff is trained to avoid specific terminology that might cause fear.
At home, parents also can adopt this strategy, especially by using positive language around their dental care. Parents who set a good example by maintaining positivity around health care have children who experience significantly less anxiety around treatments.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Bret Jerger
I am a lifelong resident of Decatur, IL, and am committed to the health of children in my community. After completing my residency at Riley Children's Hospital, I began working with my father, who established Jerger Pediatric Dentistry in 1966. I have been practicing pediatric dentistry in Decatur since 1995. Together, we have provided care to Central Illinois for over 50 years.
I enjoy helping to create beautiful smiles for our young patients while getting to know them and watching them grow up. My biggest goal is to create a safe, ...
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