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.
The experiences children have with a dentist shape the way they view visiting the dental office when they are teenagers and adults. A kid-friendly dentist helps children feel more comfortable. They also offer specialized dental services and educate children on oral health in a manner they (and their parents) understand.A kid-friendly dentist is more than…
Parents are encouraged to take their child to the dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a kid-friendly dentist, which helps ensure that children are able to receive the care they need to maintain a…
The first appointment that a child has with a kid-friendly dentist may involve a friendly chat to get to know one another, non-invasive dental X-rays, and a recommended treatment plan. If there are no oral health concerns, then the dentist can provide preventive services such as dental cleanings and educate the child and their parents…
A kid-friendly dentist can reduce the level of nervousness a child experiences while they are receiving dental care. They can also educate children in a manner that they understand and help them to create healthy habits that can carry well into their teenage and adult years.It is helpful to understand the differences between a kid-friendly…
The experiences children have with a dentist shape the way they view visiting the dental office when they are teenagers and adults. A kid-friendly dentist helps children feel more comfortable. They also offer specialized dental services and educate children on oral health in a manner they (and their parents) understand.A kid-friendly dentist is more than…
Parents are encouraged to take their child to the dentist by their child’s first birthday. There are other signs that indicate a need to see a kid-friendly dentist, as well. This review discusses when to see a kid-friendly dentist, which helps ensure that children are able to receive the care they need to maintain a…