You might be considering sedation dentistry for kids if your young one if uncomfortable with the idea of being in a dental chair while someone prods their mouth. Dental anxiety is a serious issue that affects people of all ages, and it can get worse as a person ages if it is not overcome.
There are a variety of situations when sedation dentistry for kids is recommended. For example, if the child has a hard time staying still while being worked on, dental sedation can be used to make treatments less stressful for the child.
Sedation dentistry is also recommended for children with special needs. It curbs spontaneous motions and makes the child more cooperative.
Most dentists will provide parents with several options when it comes to sedatives. Each type of sedative has its pros and cons and it often comes down to the how uncomfortable the child it, how long the procedure will take and the child's medical history.
Certain types of sedatives allow the kid to communicate, cooperate and follow instructions. These include:
Most people know this compound as laughing gas. It is used by dentists to calm patients who are uncomfortable with dental treatments. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is delivered to the patient through a mask that is placed over the kid's nose.
The gas is combined with oxygen to ensure the child can breathe comfortably during the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting gas and it only takes a few minutes before the patient starts to experience its effects. It makes the patient relaxed, happy and euphoric. Once the procedure is over, the dentist will pump pure oxygen through the mask to ensure the nitrous oxide is completely eliminated from the kid's body.
Nitrous oxide can make some people feel nauseous so it is best to avoid eating anything major before taking the child in for the appointment.
Oral sedation can be used to calm and relax children who feel anxious during dental treatments or have a hard time controlling their muscles. An oral sedative can come in various forms like pills, liquids and tablets.
When taken, it makes the child feel drowsy and relaxed.
Parents should prepare their child for oral sedatives by limiting fluid and food consumption before the appointment, dressing the child in loose clothing and making plans to monitor the child after the treatment.
As is the case with nitrous oxide, oral sedatives might make the child feel nauseous.
This is often the last resort since it puts the child in a state of deep sleep. It is rarely used except for cases where:
Dealing with a child who is terrified about getting dental treatments? Talk to a pediatric dentist about sedatives today. They will be happy to educate anyone on the safety and efficacy of sedation dentistry for kids.
Request an appointment here: https://www.hvkidsmiles.com or call Hudson Valley Pediatric Dentistry at (845) 363-4177 to schedule an appointment in our Middletown office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A pediatric root canal removes infected pulp that can spread infection and cause tooth pain. These procedures are sometimes needed to save children’s baby teeth. Here is a closer look at pediatric root canals and why they can be important.Also referred to as baby root canals, these are endodontic procedures performed on baby teeth. There…
Curious about pediatric root canals? Read on to learn more about this common procedure. If your child needs a pediatric root canal, it might be a stressful and anxious time for both of you. However, you as a parent must prepare them. The treatment is often needed if the tooth has extensive decay or infection…
A pediatric root canal is a restorative procedure that can preserve the overall health of a child’s smile. This applies even if the affected tooth is a primary tooth. After the procedure, a pediatric dentist will likely place a dental crown on top of the treated tooth. Crowns not only protect the treated tooth but…
Getting ready for a pediatric root canal is crucial if your child is to have a pleasant treatment experience. A damaged pulp causes serious pain. Even if extraction is an option, keeping the baby tooth intact is always a priority. Knowing what this procedure has in store can prepare your child well for it. Here…
A pediatric root canal removes infected pulp that can spread infection and cause tooth pain. These procedures are sometimes needed to save children’s baby teeth. Here is a closer look at pediatric root canals and why they can be important.Also referred to as baby root canals, these are endodontic procedures performed on baby teeth. There…
Curious about pediatric root canals? Read on to learn more about this common procedure. If your child needs a pediatric root canal, it might be a stressful and anxious time for both of you. However, you as a parent must prepare them. The treatment is often needed if the tooth has extensive decay or infection…