Children’s Sedation Dentistry in Hampstead, NC
Our Patient's Experiences
When Your Child Needs Extra Support, We're Here
Thorough Consultation
We review your child's medical history, discuss concerns, and explain all sedation options. Dr. Hayes believes in exploring every available tool to find what's right for your child, whether that's the gentlest approach or more comprehensive sedation for complex needs.
Detailed Preparation
You'll receive specific guidelines about eating, drinking, and medications before the appointment. Following these instructions ensures optimal safety and sedation effectiveness for your child.
Expert Care During Treatment
Our team continuously monitors vital signs and comfort levels, adjusting care as needed. We maintain the same monitoring standards used in hospital pediatric departments to ensure your child's safety.
Supportive Recovery
We monitor your child until they're ready to go home and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Our team follows up to ensure smooth recovery and address any questions.
Our Sedation Options
Laughing Gas
This mild, sweet-smelling gas helps children feel relaxed while staying fully awake and able to respond to us. It's perfect for children with mild anxiety or shorter procedures, and the effects wear off within minutes after treatment. Many kids actually enjoy the relaxed, happy feeling it provides.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For children who need deeper relaxation, oral sedation provides calming effects while maintaining consciousness. This safe medication is taken before the appointment, helping your child stay calm throughout their procedure while still being able to follow simple instructions.
General Anesthesia
When extensive procedures are needed or for children with special healthcare needs who can't tolerate awake treatment, we provide hospital-grade general anesthesia. Your child sleeps comfortably through their treatment under continuous monitoring by our experienced team.
When Sedation Helps Your Child
Severe Dental Anxiety
Some children have intense fear about dental visits, sometimes from past difficult experiences. Our practice operates as what Dr. Hayes calls a no-judge zone, where every child's feelings are respected and validated. When anxiety prevents necessary care, sedation can help create positive associations with dental treatment.
Extensive Treatment Needs
Age and developmental stage play crucial roles in treatment planning. Dr. Knockum recognizes that expecting a three-year-old to cooperate through multiple cavity repairs isn't realistic or fair to the child. For young children or those needing comprehensive care, sedation allows efficient treatment while maintaining comfort.
Special Healthcare Needs
Children with developmental disabilities, sensory processing issues, or medical conditions often benefit from sedation to receive dental care safely. Dr. Hayes works closely with these families to develop care routines that work within each child's abilities and comfort level.
Very Young Children
Sometimes the most compassionate approach for very young children is sedation, allowing them to receive comprehensive care without the stress of procedures they can't understand or cooperate with.
Meet Our Experienced Doctors
Dr. Brandon Knockum
Dr. Crystal Hayes
How We Ensure Safety and Comfort
Involving Parents Throughout
Both doctors believe dental care should be a family experience. Dr. Knockum wants parents present and informed throughout their child's treatment. For lighter sedation like laughing gas, parents can stay throughout. For deeper sedation, we discuss protocols during consultation to ensure everyone understands the process.
Clear Communication
Dr. Hayes begins every appointment by talking with parents first, explaining exactly what will happen during treatment. This approach removes guesswork and helps families feel in control of the situation. When parents understand what their child might experience and why, it reduces anxiety for everyone involved.
Advanced Monitoring
We use hospital-grade equipment to monitor heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels throughout procedures. Our team maintains pediatric emergency certifications and follows the same safety standards used in hospital settings.
Customized Approach
We ask detailed questions about your child's specific needs. Perhaps they have a severe gag reflex requiring extra care, or maybe they need frequent reassurance throughout procedures. Whatever helps your child feel secure becomes part of their individualized sedation plan.
Specialized Training
Dr. Knockum's hospital experience included complex pediatric cases requiring various sedation levels. Both doctors maintain board certification and complete regular continuing education in sedation techniques and safety protocols.
Pediatric Expertise
As specialized pediatric dentists, we understand child development, behavior management, and the unique physiological needs of growing patients. This isn't general dentistry adapted for children—it's care designed specifically for pediatric patients.
Why People Love Hampstead Pediatric Dentistry
Care Close to Home
Trusted Expertise
13 and 15 years of experience treating everyone from infants to special needs children with patience and understanding.
Individual Approach
Family-Centered Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child has special medical needs?
Dr. Hayes has experience working with children with special needs and creating care plans "within their child's level of ability and comfort." We coordinate with your child's other healthcare providers when needed and modify our approach accordingly.
Is sedation covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and the medical necessity of sedation. Our team will help verify your benefits and discuss payment options before treatment.
When can my child return to normal activities?
With laughing gas, children can usually return to school the same day. Deeper sedation typically requires rest at home for the remainder of the day. We'll provide specific recovery guidelines based on your child's treatment.
What should we bring to the appointment?
Dress your child in comfortable clothing and consider bringing a favorite comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket. We want them to feel as secure as possible throughout their visit.
How do you monitor my child during sedation?
We use advanced equipment to continuously monitor heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels. Our team is trained in pediatric emergency response and maintains constant observation throughout treatment.
Can my child eat before sedation?
Fasting requirements depend on the type of sedation. We provide detailed pre-appointment instructions, including specific times to stop eating and drinking to ensure your child's safety.
How long does sedation last?
Laughing gas effects end within minutes after treatment. Oral sedation may last several hours, with full recovery typically within 24 hours. We'll provide specific timing based on your child's treatment plan.
Will my child feel any pain during treatment?
No, we combine sedation with appropriate local anesthetic to ensure your child is comfortable throughout their procedure. Our goal is a completely pain-free experience.
How do you decide what type of sedation my child needs?
We consider your child's age, anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of treatment needed. As Dr. Knockum explains, there are "no cookie-cutter solutions"—we create individualized plans based on your child's specific needs.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes, dental sedation is very safe when provided by board-certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Hayes and Dr. Knockum. We follow strict safety protocols and use the same monitoring standards as hospitals throughout treatment.
Insurance Accepted
Payment Options
