Facts About Sedation Dentistry For Children That You Must Know

When you take a child to a pediatric dentist near you, the dentist will offer sedation dentistry. Although you may be okay with sedation dentistry for adults, you may be uncertain of its use for your child. Here are things you must know about sedation dentistry for your child.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of mild sedatives to help a patient relax during the dental visit. The sedatives are administered through the mouth, nose, or an IV line before the procedure. They do not control the pain or discomfort from the procedure but ensure that the child is not anxious.

Pediatric sedation dentistry in Milford, CT, is provided in four levels. The first level involves unique tactics instead of sedation medication. For example, a dentist may use distraction, positive reinforcement, or protective stabilization.

The second level is the conscious level, where Nitrous Oxide or sedation pills are used. Your child will remain awake and responsive to verbal commands and tactile stimulation. The third level is deep sedation which causes the child to sleep throughout the procedure. It is recommended for lengthy or invasive dental procedures.

General anesthesia is the fourth sedation level. The kid remains unconscious throughout the treatment. Then, it is administered for oral surgical procedures. The dentist closely monitors the child’s breathing, blood pressure, and temperature.

Does My Kid Need Sedation Dentistry?

Some children are afraid of new people or experiences. Others are terrified of injections or dental tools. Therefore, the dentist must use sedatives to provide dental care and treatments for such kids. In addition, your child requires sedation if they have strong gag reflexes as the dentist will be unable to access their mouth.

Sedation dentistry is recommended for young kids or those with special needs. Since they cannot understand the procedure, they might not cooperate with the dentist. The treatment from a pediatric dentist near you calms such a child for dental care.

Sometimes, a child may require several or lengthy procedures in a single appointment. A pediatric dentist will provide sedatives so that the child remains calm throughout the procedure. If your child cannot sit still or has uncontrollable body movements, the treatment will benefit them.

How Do You Prepare a Child for Sedation Dentistry?

Preparation depends on the procedure to be performed and the type of sedation required. The first two levels of sedation do not need specific preparations as the child remains awake during the treatment.

Ensure that your child does not have a cold and can breathe through the nose because it will be impossible to breathe through the mouth. Carry a comfort item for your child to hold, such as a favorite toy. You must also remain calm and encouraging since a child can sense your concern. If you are anxious, they will also become tense.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia require extensive preparation. Therefore, the dental team will need you to arrive early on the procedure day. Otherwise, you may attend a preliminary appointment with your child. This is because they must take the child’s vital signs and review their medical history before administering a sedative.

The information helps them closely monitor the kid’s heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. In addition, strict rules for eating and drinking before sedation are provided. They must be carefully followed for your child’s safety.

What to Expect Following Sedation Dentistry

After the procedure, the sedatives lose their effects differently. Nitrous oxide and oral pill sedatives leave the body quickly. Your child may feel a bit sleepy due to the oral sedative but will recover fast. Recovery after deep sedation and general anesthesia take longer. The patient will not remember events during the procedure.

The child’s nose, throat, and mouth may feel numb for an hour or two after the procedure. Do not give them anything to bite or chew until the numbness wears off as they may bite their tongue or cheeks. Encourage the child to rest as they may be unstable due to the sedatives.

At Big Smiles Pediatric Dentist, we ensure that your child regains full consciousness before discharging you. We closely observe the child in our special step-down units until the sedative wears off. Our team ensures to there are no complications following the procedure.