Pediatric Sedation Dentistry in Miami

To protect your child's developing psyche and preserve a positive outlook on dentistry, we offer in-office nitrous oxide (minimal sedation). For children with extensive dental needs who are also very young, we offer comprehensive dental treatment in a single visit under general anesthesia performed at Holtz Children's Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

General anesthesia

When your child needs extensive dental work or is too young for more advanced dental procedures, general anesthesia is required. General anesthesia treatment is performed at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, FL. Recently, in February 2022, Dr. Abarca was granted hospital privileges at Holtz Children's Hospital, located on the campus of The Jackson Memorial Hospital Systems in Miami, FL. Your child will be completely asleep during general anesthesia and will not remember the procedure. The anesthesiologist will help your child transition from sedation to a waking state and will ensure that they are safe to go home a few hours after the treatment is complete.

Healthy smiles from childhood Dental care designed for children Specialists in children's smiles Where children feel safe

Frequently asked questions

Why might my child need to be sedated?

Reduce fear and anxiety to make treatment easier.
Protect the developing psyche, so children do not form lasting negative associations with visits to the dentist.
Allow longer or more complex dental care to be completed in a single visit.
Keep young children comfortable when they are not yet able to cooperate fully.
Ensure a safe and positive experience for both your child and our dental team.
Sedation is never a one-size-fits-all solution. We carefully consider your child's age, medical history, and dental needs before recommending the safest and most appropriate option.

Why do children sometimes need fillings or dental crowns?

Baby teeth remain in the mouth from six months to twelve years of age. They are necessary to preserve space for the next teeth, provide a chewing surface, and guide the growth of the jawbone.

Tooth decay begins as a painless process in which tooth structure is lost. If not treated in time, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

Restoring damaged teeth can obviously help improve your child's appearance, but it also offers functional advantages. For example, if a cavity is not filled, it will continue to grow and eventually cause pain every time your child eats or drinks something hot or cold. In addition, untreated cavities can lead to infections that may require antibiotics or even surgery in the future.

By addressing these issues early, you can help your child avoid a lot of pain and suffering, not to mention costly dental bills down the road.

Why do children need restorative dental treatment?

Children may need restorative dental treatment for a variety of reasons. The most common is tooth decay.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid. This acid can erode the enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth. If tooth decay is not detected early, it can spread to the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth. Tooth decay can also cause cavities.

Cavities are holes in the teeth that can become infected. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the pulp, or the center of the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. An infection in the pulp can be very painful. It can also cause the tooth to die. If the tooth dies, it will need to be removed.

Restorative dental treatment can help children keep their teeth healthy and prevent further damage.

What are the benefits of restorative dental treatment for children?

Restorative dental treatment offers many benefits for children. First, it can help improve their overall oral health.

Second, it can help prevent further damage to their teeth. Third, it can help improve their appearance.

Finally, it can help boost their self-esteem.

How does restorative dental treatment help children develop properly?

As mentioned, children often need dental restoration due to cavities. In these cases, Dr. Marvin usually recommends a filling or crown. In some cases, the child may need dental surgery.

The benefits of pediatric restorative dentistry include:

Restoring tooth function, preventing further decay or damage, and improving the child's appearance.

Pediatric restorative dentistry services include:

Composite fillings (“white fillings”)

White crowns

Pulpotomy

Space maintainers

Laser dentistry

What types of procedures are available to restore a child's teeth?

Having a healthy smile is important for everyone, but it is especially important for children. Although baby teeth fall out eventually, they play a vital role in their development.

Baby teeth help children learn to speak clearly and chew properly. They also reserve space in the jaw for permanent teeth.

That's why it's important to take care of baby teeth and treat them when they are damaged. There are several procedures available to restore a child's teeth, such as fillings, crowns, pulpotomies, and more.