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Many parents are apprehensive about their child receiving pediatric dental sedation at first. Continue reading to find out more about sedation dentistry from a pediatric dentist. While the phrase “sedation” may appear daunting, it is utilized in pediatric dentistry to ensure that the child feels little to no discomfort and is comfortable during more intrusive operations.
Know About Pediatric Dental Sedation
Dental sedation for children is a means to alleviate pain and/or anxiety associated with dental checkups and procedures. Although sedation is frequently associated with surgery, there is effective pediatric dentistry sedation available for younger patients undergoing more invasive non-surgical treatments. This can assist ensure that the patient is comfortable during their dental surgery and lessen the danger of poor dental memories developing into a long-term fear of going to the dentist as they become older.
What Are The Common Types Of Sedation Dentistry Options?
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide), oral sedation, and IV sedation are the three most prevalent methods of pediatric dental sedation. General anesthesia is rarely used on children unless they undergo more invasive oral surgery. A description of each typical form of sedative used in pediatric dentistry follows.
- Laughing Gas – Laughing gas, often known as nitrous oxide, is the most prevalent method of pediatric dental sedation. The child is awake during the surgery despite the slight sedation. The sedative is delivered through a mask, and the kid patient inhales the nitrous oxide through his or her nose, resulting in a relaxed and joyful mood. The effects take less than five minutes to begin, and they fade off quickly once the mask is removed.
- Oral Sedation – For more invasive pediatric dental procedures or for children with a high level of anxiety, oral sedation may be utilized. Oral sedatives, taken as pills, are usually used, and the child remains awake throughout the surgery, but they may not recall everything. Oral sedation takes around 20 minutes to take effect and should wear off quickly after the treatment (within a few hours).
- IV Sedation – For pediatric dental procedures, intravenous (IV) sedation is sometimes used. The sedative is administered with a needle put straight into the vein in this sedation method. The main advantage of IV sedation is that the duration of the effects can be better controlled. Because of the sedative, the patient may not recall much about the treatment.
How To Prepare Your Kid For Dental Sedation?
The sort of sedative advised for your child is determined by the procedure’s invasiveness and duration, as well as the parents’ preferences. If nitrous oxide is used, children should consume a modest meal (e.g., toast) or snack before the procedure. For oral sedation, kids should not eat after midnight the night before or the morning of the procedure. IV sedation necessitates additional instructions, which the pediatric dentist can provide if that option is chosen.
Final Words
Now that you are familiar with the sedation dentistry options used in pediatric dentistry, stay assured about your child’s dental procedure being performed seamlessly.
