Are you worried about your child feeling too scared and restless during dental visits and procedures? Dental appointments can be intimidating for kids, particularly if your little one needs to undergo lengthy procedures. However, pediatric sedation can calm your child’s fears and make their dental visit easier.
Read this blog to learn about the types of sedation used in pediatric dentistry and how they can help.
Why Is Sedation Dentistry Important?
Your child might feel scared because of unfamiliar surroundings, possible pain, and lack of knowledge regarding the process. Sedatives can send your child into a relaxed state and reduce tension during treatment. This is especially helpful for:
- Children with extreme dental phobia.
- Young children who need a lot of restorative work.
- Kids with special needs who might have trouble with regular dental procedures.
- Those who cannot cooperate because of severe gag reflexes or restlessness.
Types of Pediatric Dental Sedation
The pediatric sedation dentist in Sacramento will choose the right method depending on your child’s needs. Here are the common types:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a light sedative that your child will breathe in through a small breathing mask. Your child will only feel calm while staying conscious. Your child can soon go back to being normal, making it a safe and non-invasive option for minor procedures.
Oral Conscious Sedation
In this procedure, the dentist will give your child a pill to consume. They might stay awake or fall asleep as the medication can make them sleepy. It is best suited for moderate levels of anxiety but might have side effects that must be monitored closely..
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is injected directly into your child’s blood, providing a deeper sedation level. This will send your child into a deep state of calmness. The specialist will control the sedation levels and is ideal for more complicated treatments.
General Anesthesia
Does your child need to undergo complex and prolonged procedures? General anesthesia sends your child into a deep sleep throughout the procedure. This method is usually reserved for major surgeries or when other options fail.
Safety First: Guidelines for Pediatric Sedation
When it comes to pediatric sedation dentistry, safety will always be the dentist’s top priority. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), at least two trained professionals should be present during deep sedation or general anesthesia procedures.
These specialists will check your child’s vital signs throughout the procedure and are prepared to respond to emergencies if necessary.
How to Select the Ideal Sedation Method?
Choosing the ideal sedation method involves the consideration of many factors:
- Does your child suffer from mild dental anxiety? Then nitrous oxide can be more than enough, whereas severe phobia needs IV sedation or general anesthesia.
- Longer or more invasive procedures tend to require deeper sedation techniques such as IV or general anesthesia.
- Talk to the pediatric dentist about any underlying health issues to make the best choice for your little one.
- An honest discussion with the dentist can make you feel comfortable about the method chosen.
Embracing pediatric dental care doesn’t have to be anxiety-provoking for you or your child. Are you willing to embrace sedation dentistry for your child, and are you looking for personal guidance specific to your little one’s needs? Then, look for a qualified kids’ dentist as soon as possible.
Are you ready to safeguard your child’s teeth? Schedule a consultation today!
