All About Pediatric Dental Sedation

Pediatric dental sedation is used to relax your child when they need to undergo a dental treatment that may be uncomfortable for them. The sedation is administered by the children’s dentist accompanied by a qualified medical anesthesiologist. The relaxed sensation may last up to six hours after the procedure. Let’s understand more about pediatric sleep dentistry.

A look at the three types of dental sedation

Depending on the type of dental treatment, the sedation required for the procedure will vary. The following are the three most commonly used pediatric dental sedation methods.

Oral sedation

This is the most minimally invasive method of sedation. It is administered through the mouth or nose. It is usually administered as a medication the dentist will ask your child to take when you arrive for the appointment. It takes about 20 minutes to take effect and will keep your child relaxed but responsive.

Laughing gas

Laughing gas is a safe combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is administered through a mask or tube. All your child has to do is breathe in normally through their nose. The gas takes effect in 20 seconds to 5 minutes. It is a mild sedative that blocks physical sensations such as touch, hearing, and pain while promoting feelings of euphoria. Who doesn’t love silly giggles after a day at the dentist?

Pediatric sleep sedation

Complete pediatric sleep sedation can be occasionally advised for more complicated treatments that may be longer, noisier, or more intrusive. General anesthesia is most often used in pediatric dentistry to promote a relaxing experience and the absence of any procedure-related recollections.

In order to put your little one to sleep for the duration of the dental procedure, complete sleep sedation uses intravenous (IV) drugs.

Why is dental sedation necessary?

Pediatric dental sedation is recommended when your child has to undergo a dental procedure that may be complex, noisy, or invasive. It’s also recommended for children who experience anxiety, have special needs, have a strong gag reflex, or if they’re very young.

Let’s take a look at a few benefits of pediatric sleep dentistry. It helps your child overcome dental phobias by promoting a calm and relaxed feeling. It allows them to receive complex treatments with little to no memory of the procedures.

Pediatric sleep dentistry helps children undergo multiple procedures at once and reduces the need for numerous visits to the dentist. It helps children with anxiety, difficulty staying still, or special needs to receive treatment without compromising the quality of care.

Is safety a concern?

Complete pediatric dental sedation is safe for children when skilled children’s dentists have a fully qualified medical anesthesiologist on the team.

Your child’s vitals, including blood oxygen levels, pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, are closely monitored. This is done throughout the procedure and the hours following until complete recovery.

Before scheduling any sleep dentistry surgery, utmost precaution is taken. A thorough evaluation of your child’s medical history, current medicines, allergies, and other possible concerns is done.

A professional dentist will always address any queries you may have to be sure it’s the perfect solution.

Pediatric sleep dentistry is a safe option to relax your child or put them to sleep during complex, invasive, and noisy procedures that may be traumatic for your child. Depending on the type of sedation used, dental sedation promotes a relaxed, sometimes happy feeling and will leave your child with a comfortable memory of their dental appointment. A professional dental clinic will ensure that sedation is the best fit and answer all your questions before choosing it as an option for your child. Have more questions on pediatric sleep dentistry? Contact Woodlawn Kids dental today!