Regular dental care is essential from infancy onward to prevent problems and maintain oral health. However, many children are afraid of the dentist or cannot cooperate because of their young age or special needs. In these cases, dental treatment with sedation or general anesthesia can ensure painless and effective treatment, without anxiety for your child.
Dental treatment with sedation is carried out by administering medication so that the patient is not aware and does not react during the treatment. Depending on the case, the medication may be given by mouth for mild sedation or intravenously for deeper sedation. After the treatment, the patient has no memory of it.
General anesthesia is a safe method of complete sedation, in which the patient feels and perceives nothing, while their breathing is supported mechanically. It is the recommended choice for very young children, patients with special needs, or those who need extensive treatments.
In cases where children are afraid of the dentist or cannot cooperate because of their young age or special needs, dental treatment with sedation or general anesthesia can ensure painless and effective treatment.
Many children can develop widespread tooth decay at a young age, that is, many decayed teeth that require extensive treatments such as fillings, restorations, or extractions. When a child is afraid, does not cooperate, or has special needs, these complex treatments can be particularly difficult and stressful with the conventional approach.
With treatment under sedation, we can offer your child a painless and restful experience, without unpleasant memories. This reduces anxiety, the treatment is completed more quickly and effectively, and the child develops a positive relationship with dental care.
The most common indications for treatment with sedation or general anesthesia include:
You can be confident about the safety and painless experience of your child, since the treatment is always carried out under close monitoring by an experienced anesthesiologist and using the most modern methods.
The use of anesthesia and sedation in children during dental procedures is generally considered very safe, with minimal chances of complications when performed by experienced pediatric dentists. Modern techniques, carefully selected medications, and specialized monitoring equipment ensure that children can safely receive the necessary treatment while staying comfortable. Extensive studies have shown that serious complications are extremely rare, while side effects such as nausea or drowsiness are usually temporary and easy to manage. Even so, it is important to give the dentist a complete medical history of your child and to discuss any concerns before the procedure, so that the anesthesia plan can be individualized for maximum safety and effectiveness.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Lila Papadopoulou has extensive training and experience in treatments under sedation, having completed hundreds of cases during her specialty training at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
The treatment is always carried out under close medical monitoring and with the consent of the pediatrician. These are very safe methods when they are administered by specialized professionals.
If your child is afraid, does not cooperate, or has extensive needs at a young age, then treatment under sedation may be indicated. We will be happy to advise you about it at a personal visit.
The treatment usually lasts 1-2 hours. After a short period of observation, your child will be able to go home within 1-2 hours without needing an overnight stay.
Note: This content is provided for informational purposes only. The information it contains is intended to be general in nature. Please contact us for advice.
Come and let’s discuss whether treatment with sedation or general anesthesia is the right choice for your child. Call us at 210 898 5581 to book an appointment or visit our website www.happytoothclinic.gr to learn more.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Lila Papadopoulou has applied both of these methods to patients of Happy Tooth Clinic, in cooperation with an anesthesiologist, at Mediterraneo Hospital with great success. Mediterraneo Hospital is a state-of-the-art clinic that has, for years, offered the possibility of dental treatment for adults under sedation or general anesthesia.
Now, under safe conditions and with fully qualified medical staff, it gives us the possibility to treat extreme forms of tooth decay in our young patients as well. The positive long-term results in the Happy Tooth Clinic patients to whom it has been applied so far confirm our choice of it as a treatment for these specific patients.