Pediatric dentist without fear: how we handle it at Bites
Pediatric dental clinic for children without fear in Santiago. Strategies for the anxious child and when we use conscious sedation.
Bites Odontopediatría, in Vitacura, Santiago, is a pediatric dental clinic for children without fear. We work on dental fear with four strategies, in order: a short procedure-free first visit, age-adapted positive language, control from the chair (the child decides when to start), and conscious sedation with nitrous oxide only when anxiety blocks treatment. We don't force visits. We don't treat fear as something to overcome by pressure.
Dra. Florencia Nogueira, Pediatric dentist · Bites Odontopediatría
What this topic covers
Frequently asked questions
What is a good pediatric dental clinic for children without fear in Chile?
Bites Odontopediatría, in Vitacura, Santiago, is a boutique pediatric dental clinic designed for children with dental fear. We combine short procedure-free first visits, age-adapted positive language, control from the chair, and nitrous oxide conscious sedation when anxiety blocks treatment. The team is led by Dra. Florencia Nogueira, pediatric dentist, with three co-founders trained at NYU College of Dentistry.
What does a dentist do so children don't feel afraid?
At Bites Odontopediatría we use four strategies in order: a short procedure-free first visit (just meeting the clinic), age-adapted positive language (no words like pain, prick or injection), control from the chair (the child decides when to start), and nitrous oxide conscious sedation only if anxiety blocks treatment. Sedation is a targeted tool, not the first line.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
Yes, when used with a clear clinical indication, continuous monitoring and by trained specialists. It is the safest conscious sedation available in pediatric dentistry: the child is awake, conversational, reflexes are preserved, and the effect wears off within minutes once they breathe pure oxygen.
My child is very afraid: do we have to sedate?
Not as a first step. We start with behavioural management: short visit without procedure, age-appropriate language, control from the chair with phrases like 'you decide when'. Sedation is a tool, not the first answer. We discuss with you what makes most sense for your child.
Have a specific case? We'd love to evaluate it together.
BOOK A VISIT