Is Sedation Dentistry Appropriate For Children?

One of the top considerations in the minds of parents of children receiving dental sedation is safety. Dentists generally recommend sedation for intensive and complex procedures for children who are young and nervous. It is safe to sedate a patient, and parents can assist in reducing the risks and stress levels of their child before, during, and after the treatment.

Types of Sedation Used by Dentists

The dentist near you may recommend oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation, which are the primary methods of sedating children. Oral sedation is administered orally by mouth or through the nose immediately after patients arrive for their appointment. The medications require about 20 minutes for maximum effectiveness. Oral sedation does not induce sleep in patients but helps them to relax and stay calm.

Nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas, is often administered by the pediatric dentist in Fairfield, to calm children. A combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen is delivered by a mask to relax the patient within five minutes and experience euphoric feelings during the procedure. When the process is over, the dentist gives pure oxygen to the patient to clear out the remaining nitrous oxide.

Intravenous sedation is administered via a needle inserted into the patient’s vein. Nitrous oxide is also used to make sure the child sleeps before inserting the needle on the back of the child’s hand. Also entered is a tube into the child’s throat to help with breathing.

What Happens before Sedation Is Administered?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has advised parents that children can tolerate sedation along with numerous dental procedures better if parents also take the pain to understand what is happening and to help prepare the child. Parents must restrict foods and beverages before it is administered. Parents need to follow the suggestions carefully for safety reasons. Sedation poses the risk of stomach contents being thrown up or inhaled into the lungs. The child must be dressed in loose-fitting clothing to allow dental assistants to attach monitors without difficulties. The entire history of the child must be provided to the dentist performing the procedure, including whether the child is receiving any medications either from over-the-counter or prescription.

What Happens at the Dentist’s Office?

Sedation Dentistry Milford, CT, advises parents to help children to stay relaxed by encouraging them and remaining calm. The child’s favorite toys or stuffed animal can accompany the child during the appointment. Comforting the child by holding his or her hands singing songs gently are other comfort tactics that are also helpful. Perhaps the only restriction placed upon parents is to avoid bringing other children to the dental clinic to ensure they focus on the child receiving the treatment.

Safety Precautions Adopted by Dentists

During dental sedation, Big Smiles Milford, CT, is concerned about the safety of the child. The dentist monitors the child’s blood oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate after he or she is sedated. Children who require general anesthesia are referred to a dental Hospital where the child can receive appropriate attention.

What Happens After the Sedation?

The pediatric dentist open on Saturday recommends parents to be present while the child awakes from sedation. Children may be confused or may feel nauseous after sedation. They also suggest two adults accompany the child on the way back home. Going back to school or daycare is not recommended on the day of the procedure as the child could be affected by the after-effects of sedation, which may include loss of physical coordination, sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea.

During the first few hours after the procedure, the child must only be given soft foods. If the child experiences vomiting, severe bleeding, pain, and fever, the pediatric dentist must be contacted immediately for advice. The child can continue caring for his or her teeth after the mouth has healed by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing.

Pediatric dental sedation is safe without challenges but requires preparation before the procedure and proper care after. Parents can provide their children with the best dental experience by communicating with the pediatric dentist clearly before the process. Sedation dentistry for children allows dentists to perform more dental work in a single appointment because the child is relaxed and does not need to be coaxed to cooperate during the procedures.