Treating children with dental anxiety

Options at our office for children with dental anxiety

Nitrous Oxide:

Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) is considered one of the safest and most common “drugs” used in pediatric dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a gas that may help your child relax and cope with the stress of a dental visit. This gas is also used in combination with oral sedation and other management techniques due to its added safety benefit of delivering more oxygen to your child than is found in ordinary room air. Nitrous oxide does not replace the need for a local anesthetic (an injection in the mouth to numb a tooth prior to treatment) and works best in school-age children.

Conscious Sedation:

Some children benefit from being sedated before dental treatment. The sedation procedures in our office involve the use of drugs that will make your child drowsy and less likely to remember the dental visit. Usually, nitrous oxide is also needed. It works best on children ages 5 and younger who need only one or two appointments to complete their treatment.

Children will sleep through the treatment 60% of the time. In remaining cases, the children will be awake or partially awake and may cry and/or resist treatment during the procedure.

If conscious sedation is recommended at your child’s exam visit, the doctor may recommend that your child be immobilized to prevent injury during the sedation appointment. Sometimes conscious sedation may not be effective and we may recommend that your child be treated with general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia:

Dental treatment can be provided while your child is given a general anesthetic. The use of general anesthesia requires the presence of an anesthesiologist in addition to the dentist. Treatment is completed in the hospital operating room. Anesthetic gas is given to your child through an oral or nasal breathing tube that will keep them asleep during the procedure. All dental treatment needs can usually be completed in one visit.

We understand that every child is different and one behavior management option may prove more beneficial than another. At your child’s appointment, the doctor will discuss your child’s treatment needs with you and explain any recommendations for care.

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My son had a wonderful experience here! The staff and assistants were super (especially Regina). My son even asked if he could come back the next day.

- Christine J., Google Review

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The staff at Say Ahhh was truly amazing and so patient with my little Maddie. Dr Foster is a very caring loving dentist. I highly recommend this office for all the kiddos.

- Tiffany H., Google Review

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I had an amazing visit with my 4-year-old daughter. Dr. Foster and the team was amazing. My daughter, who is very afraid of doctors of any kind had a very successful visit without any crying, anxiety or frustration.

- Brandy D., Google Review

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I was so impressed by the facility. The atmosphere is perfect for a child. My son thoroughly enjoyed himself. The staff was friendly and professional and Dr. Foster was so great and engaging with my child. We have our forever dentist.

- Lakisha A., Google Review

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I came in today to get my 3 children's teeth checked out. The staff as a whole was amazing. They all were a delight to come into contact with. We were able to have Raquel the dental assistant to complete their cleaning. She was very nice, patient and explained what was going on with my kiddos. Dr. Foster was amazing as well. If you are looking for a great friendly place to take your children to get their teeth cleaned or any dental needs I 100% recommend Say Ahhhh Dentistry.

- Lashanda C., Google Review

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Today was my daughter’s first visit. Dr. Foster and Regina are rockstars!!!!!! Definitely look forward to our next visit.

- Jasmine W., Google Review

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Dr. Foster and her staff are very compassionate. They have bedside manner and they really care about their patients. I appreciate Dr. Foster for taking the time to explain the procedure and treatment plan for my daughter. It meant a lot to my wife and I.

- Jamie C., Google Review

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5 stars for everything!!! We have driven by this place so many times and I wished I would have walked in sooner! They treated my daughter like a princess and helped me relax as a parent! They walked me through every step and made us feel safe! Dr. Foster is amazing and will definitely make you feel at home! One of the nurses Ms. Regina was so helpful and loving! I could have hugged both of them because we felt so much love and they cared for us! Please go here! You will not regret it!

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Meet our two amazing dentists!

Dr. Foster

An avid Saints fan (whether they win or lose and it’s been a lot of losing lately and she doesn’t want to talk about it); funny and very down-to-earth; and super-smart. She’s a really good teacher. She serves as the Director of Houston’s only Pediatric Dental Assistant School when she’s not working at Say Ahhh! She loves continuing education and staff development. She’s a bit of a nerd but the cool-kind; our office is a reflection of her personality. She’s super hospitable. It may be the New Orleanian in her.

Dr. Gainey

She’s our resident “tooth-whisperer”. She’s super smart and loves continuing education training whether it's current sedation trends or tongue-tie releases, Dr. Gainey is super knowledgeable. Before becoming a dentist, Dr. Gainey was a teacher at ISD. And before becoming a Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Gainey worked in an adult special needs clinic. We can’t think of a better combination: teacher + pediatric dentist = your child is in great hands!