Anesthesia or Sedation for Kids Dental Procedures?

Anesthesia or Sedation for Kids Dental Procedures? from Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Middletown, NYDental anesthesia and dental sedation are both ways to minimize the pain and anxiety patients experience during a dental procedure, and they may be available for kids' dental procedures. However, it is important for parents to have an understanding of what they both are before deciding on anesthesia or sedation in pediatric dentistry.

Dental anesthesia vs. dental sedation: Which is right for my child?

Your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend dental anesthesia or dental sedation depending on the level of anxiety your child has and the type of kid's dental procedure that is being performed. The following is a general overview of the two options as they pertain specifically to pediatric dentistry and kids dental procedures.

What is dental anesthesia for kids?

The term “anesthesia” usually refers to general anesthesia. With this form of anesthesia, the patient is unconscious and unable to respond to the dental staff. Of course, as a result, this ensures the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure and can help if they have severe dental anxiety or phobia. However, with that said, pediatric dentists typically do not recommend dental anesthesia for children unless it is absolutely necessary. For some more invasive oral surgery procedures, however, general anesthesia may be recommended.

What is dental sedation for kids?

Dental sedation is much more commonly used for kids than general anesthesia. With sedation, the child is awake and can usually respond, although they are not as fully awake as they usually are and do not feel as much stimulation. There are three main types of dental sedation, which are:

  • Nitrous oxide
  • Oral sedation
  • IV sedation

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is perhaps the main type of sedation for kids' dental procedures, and it can be used safely for more common procedures such as a dental filling or tooth extraction. Oral sedation and IV sedation is stronger and not used as often for kids' dental procedures, but it is sometimes recommended for more invasive procedures.

When is dental sedation recommended for kids' dental procedures?

As mentioned, dental sedation is more regularly used for kids' dental procedures than general anesthesia. This is because sedation is safer overall with fewer risks but still provides the level of pain relief necessary to keep children calm and comfortable.

If your child is scheduled for an oral surgery procedure, such as facial reconstruction, then the pediatric dentist or oral surgeon may recommend general anesthesia. Ultimately, the best way to determine which is the best solution for your child is to discuss all viable options with your child’s pediatric dentist.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Pediatric Dentist in Middletown, NY

Schedule a pediatric dentistry visit for more information

Here at our dental practice, we use dental sedation to help children who may feel nervous and/or have a more invasive procedure scheduled relax and feel comfortable and confident during their visit with us. To learn more about pediatric dentistry and dental sedation options for your child, schedule a visit by giving us a call or sending us a message today.

Request an appointment or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at 845-363-4177 for an appointment in our Middletown office.

Recent Posts

How Often Should You Visit A Pediatric Dentist?

Curious about how often you should take your child to see a pediatric dentist? Read on to learn more. It is a common misconception that small children do not need to see a dentist since their baby teeth will fall out eventually. However, a number of difficulties may arise with a person's dental health at…

Cavity Treatment For Kids: What Is The Process?

Cavities, or dental caries, can affect children just as they do adults, and early cavity treatment for kids is crucial to prevent further dental problems.The process of cavity treatment for kids is tailored to their unique needs and comfort. In this article, we will walk patients through the typical steps of cavity treatment for children,…

How Often Should I Take My Child To The Pediatric Dentist?

Are you wondering how often your child should see a pediatric dentist? Both children and adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy. However, seeing a pediatric dentist more often than that can be helpful to a growing child.A child’s mouth undergoes many changes…

Recent Posts

How A Kid Friendly Dentist Can Help Improve Your Child’s Smile

How A Kid Friendly Dentist Can Help Improve Your Child’s Smile

A kid-friendly dentist can help improve a child’s smile in various ways. While their primary focus is on oral health, kid-friendly dentists offer services that have cosmetic benefits, as well. The following review highlights the types of dental services that kid-friendly dentists offer that can improve a child’s smile.Every dentist has their own services that…

How Often Should You See A Kid Friendly Dentist

How Often Should You See A Kid Friendly Dentist

Parents should have their child visit a kid-friendly dentist once every four to six months for a check-up visit and cleaning. Additional visits may also be necessary if the child is going through certain treatments or experiences oral health concerns that developed since the last visit.Understanding when to take a child to a kid-friendly dentist…