Pain Management for Kids During Pediatric Dental Procedures
This blog has been reviewed by a pediatric dentist.
If your little one gets a cavity, you may be concerned about how they will fare during the procedure to fix it. This is a common worry for parents, but luckily, there are a few options for pain management for kids undergoing a dental procedure.
How We Talk About “Pain” in the Dental Office Matters.
At Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas, pain management for kids starts with how we talk about pain or painful experiences in the office. To us, that means no four-letter words! For example, we never say “PAIN,” “HURT,” or “SHOT.” Those bad words can make an unpleasant feeling or an appointment even worse. Our Pediatric Dentists are experts at behavior guidance and help ease your child through potentially difficult situations.
Pain Management for Kids During Pediatric Dental Procedures
Local Anesthesia– Administered by injection with a topical numbing jelly, local anesthesia is crucial for minimizing pain.
Nitrous Oxide –, also known as laughing gas, is ideal for anxious patients as it helps them relax. It’s generally used in shorter, more routine dental procedures. Your child will remain awake the whole time and may feel warm and fuzzy during the procedure. It helps make slightly uncomfortable procedures much more tolerable and makes long appointments feel as if they are passing quickly.
Sedation – For long procedures that involve treatment of many teeth, our Pediatric Dentists may recommend deep sedation for your child. This is administered in the dental office by a Board-Certified Pediatric Anesthesiologist to manage not only discomfort associated with the procedure but also any potential negative memories, to allow us to complete the dentistry safely and comfortably.
Over the Counter Medicines – For discomfort after a procedure, we recommend giving Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Check with your child’s pediatric dentist first, but you can also preemptively give pain-relieving medication to your child before their appointment to reduce their discomfort during the procedure. Follow the dosage listed on the bottle for your child’s age or check out this helpful chart for Ibuprofen dosing.
What About Discomfort During Cleanings?
While dental cleanings can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially when oral hygiene at home isn’t ideal, pain should be rare. Many children, especially young kids, have a hard time describing new, different, or strange sensations appropriately and often will say that something “hurts” when it’s really just “weird” to them. Our team is trained to recognize true pain and will help make sure your child has an easy and comfortable appointment.
Keeping Dental Experiences Positive in North Dallas
Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas is experienced in managing dental pain and anxiety. Whether your child is 2 or 15, our office has the tools to ensure their dental experience is positive and pain-free. Ask us about your options for pain management the next time your little one needs dental care. Dental visits are recommended every 6 months. To schedule a dental appointment with CDND, fill out this form.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What pain management options are offered at Children’s Dentistry of North Dallas?
At CDND, we offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and sedation to our patients on a case-by-case basis. We can also instruct you about pain relieving over-the-counter medicines to help with discomfort.
Are dental cleanings typically painful?
No, dental cleanings are not typically painful, but children may experience discomfort, especially if oral hygiene habits at home aren’t strong. Oftentimes, the sensation is just new or strange and that can be a source of discomfort in and of itself.
Can my child go back to their normal activities after pain management is used?
The answer? It depends. While there is little to no downtime after nitrous oxide sedation, for example, there will be an adjustment period after sedation while it takes time to wear off.
Are the pain management options offered for kids safe?
Yes, when administered properly by a trained professional, these sedation options are safe for kids.