Sealants protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth. This is especially true on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) where most cavities in children are found. Sealants are applied to the teeth to help keep them cavity-free by “sealing out” food and plaque.

The application of a sealant is quick and comfortable with no anesthetic. It takes only one quick visit. The tooth is first cleaned. It is then conditioned and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and hardened with a special curing light. Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment. The teeth most at risk of decay, and therefore most in need of sealants, are the six-year and twelve-year permanent molars. If you have any questions about sealants do not hesitate to give our office a call.

Dental fillings are designed to patch the hole that dental decay has left in the tooth. Without fillings, food, plaque, and bacteria could easily collect in the space again, causing deeper and more painful damage.

After the dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic, the decay is removed with a gentle dental drill. Next, either a tooth-colored composite resin filling or a silver amalgam filling is used to fill in the cavity. The surface is smoothed and the tooth is polished, leaving a strong, healthy tooth once again.

Parker Dental Group provides pediatric oral sedation dentistry Zanesville parents can trust. Our dentists are experienced in providing pediatric oral sedation dental care.

Why Pediatric Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Dental treatment can be a traumatic experience for some children who exhibit a high level of apprehension. Sedation or general anesthesia is usually recommended to make delivery of the required treatment possible in a safe and comfortable manner. We will explain all treatment options as well as their benefits and risks.

Our doctors have an extensive safety record in sedation procedures. All of our staff are certified in Basic Life Support and our dentists are certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

Do not give your child anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the oral sedation appointment. This will make it less likely that your child will become nauseous during the procedure. We will reschedule the oral sedation appointment if your child has had ANYTHING to eat or drink within the 6 hours before the appointment.

What should I expect at an oral sedation appointment?

• The oral sedation medication(s) will be administered in the office at the time prior to the appointment.
• The patient is required to wait 15-20 minutes for the sedation to take effect
• The dental procedure will then begin and may take up to an hour
• Upon completion, the patient may be sleepy for several hours
• The rest of the day should be restful for your child – no karate or motorcycle jumping!
• The mouth may be numb for 2-3 hours – watch out for potential lip biting
• Soft foods can be eaten right away: yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, etc.
• Ibuprofen works best for pain and can be given right away

Questions About Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Please contact the Parker Dental Group with any questions you have regarding oral sedation dentistry and we will be happy to help.