How can we help you?
At Lone Star Smiles for Kids, we understand that children's dental care can seem complicated, but it's really not. We prioritize patient understanding and education and are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns. Our parents have a lot of questions for us, and we've shared some on this page to help guide you. If there's something else on your mind, please don't hesitate to call our friendly dental team at (817) 598-0835 to find the answers you need!
Sedation Dentistry
Children can undergo gentle sedation dentistry if administered by a licensed and trained dentist. If you have specific questions about your child’s age and sedation dentistry, please give us a call.
Many children feel anxious about dental procedures. Some children have specific healthcare or behavioral needs that make sedation dentistry a suitable option.
At Lone Star Smiles for Kids, Dr. Brant Boling and his team are always focused on your child’s safety and comfort. As a parent and pediatric dentist, he’ll always bring the utmost care and consideration to your child’s needs.
Sedation dentistry allows children to receive the dental treatment they need while they’re calm and comfortable. Every member of the Lone Star Smiles for Kids team is trained in pediatric sedation protocols.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a tool that permits dental teams to focus on creating positive experiences for children. This allows the staff at Lone Star Smiles for Kids to:
- Create a calm environment where the child can relax and let the team work, reducing treatment time
- Create positive memories that set a solid foundation for lifelong oral hygiene
- Care for children with special needs in a way that makes them comfortable
- Finish treatment with fewer appointments
- Do their work without causing the child pain or anxiety, particularly during longer or more complex procedures
We offer multiple sedation options and will work with you to figure out which is best for your child. If you have a child who requires dental treatment, please don't hesitate to contact us at (817) 598-0835 or schedule an appointment with our dental team. We’d love to talk through this with you.
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings Dr. Boling applies to the deep grooves of your child's back teeth. Think of them like raincoats for teeth—they shield these cavity-prone areas from food and bacteria that can cause decay.
When Should Children Get Sealants?
Back teeth (molars) have deep pits and grooves where food and bacteria can hide, making them hard to clean even with careful brushing. Children often miss these areas when brushing, which is why cavities in these teeth are so common.
Dr. Boling typically recommends sealants as soon as the permanent back teeth come in, usually between ages 6 and 12. We can also seal baby teeth if they have deep grooves that might trap food and bacteria.
Applying Dental Sealants
Getting sealants is quick and painless, and no shots or drilling are needed. Dr. Boling cleans and dries the tooth, applies the sealant liquid, and uses a special light to harden it. The whole process takes just a few minutes per tooth.
Long-Lasting Cavity Protection
Sealants can protect teeth for several years and will be checked at each regular visit. If needed, we can easily touch them up or replace them to maintain protection throughout the cavity-prone years.
Ready to protect your child's teeth from cavities? Call Lone Star Smiles for Kids at (817) 598-0835 to learn more about dental sealants. We serve families from Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Springtown areas. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Your child's safety starts with careful planning. Dr. Boling will review your child's medical history and discuss any concerns. For general anesthesia, you'll meet with our board-certified anesthesiologist to create a personalized sedation plan.
Preparing for Dental Sedation
Follow these important safety guidelines:
- No food or drink after midnight the night before (including water)
- Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing
- Bring a favorite comfort item (blanket or stuffed animal)
- Plan for an adult to stay with your child for the rest of the day
During the Dental Procedure
Our team monitors your child throughout the procedure. For in-office general anesthesia, a trained specialist stays with your child at all times to continuously monitor their breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Depending on the treatment needed, most procedures take one to two hours.
Recovery and Going Home
Your child will wake up in our recovery area with our team watching closely. They might feel sleepy or dizzy for several hours. We'll ensure they're stable before sending them home with detailed care instructions.
- Let your child rest quietly at home
- Start with clear liquids, then soft foods when ready
- Give medicines as directed by Dr. Boling
- Watch for fever or unusual discomfort
- Keep your child from active play or sports
Call Lone Star Smiles for Kids at (817) 598-0835 to learn about children's sedation dentistry in North Texas. We serve families from Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Springtown and are always here to answer your questions about your child's care, schedule an appointment with us today.