Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Has your child expressed anxiety about going to the dentist? This is a completely normal feeling as it can be an intimidating process; they are not alone. Dental fear and anxieties can be debilitating as our teeth are very active factors in our overall health, and are important to keep up with. Neglecting dental procedures or upkeep due to fear and anxiety can lead to many issues that will cause more pain and trouble in the long run.

Sedation dentistry comes in several different forms, and is available to help put your child at ease or in some cases “completely under” while their dental work is being completed.

Who is Sedation Dentistry for?

• Children who experiences high dental anxiety or fear
• Children who struggle with the numbing medications
• Children who struggle with the sounds present in a dental setting.
• Children undergoing a more lengthy or painful dental procedure
• Children with lots of energy who struggle to sit still for a duration of time

We want to gently assure you and your child that our clinic is a judgment-free zone. We are here to help make their dental experience as comfortable and peaceful as possible, and are excited to be able to offer them this option!

Types of Sedation Available

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation “laughing gas” – Your child’s dentist will have them inhale this sweet-smelling gas through a mask, prompting a calming effect to come over them as their procedure begins. It works in a matter of minutes, and is easily flushed away when the procedure is completed by inhaling pure oxygen.
• Oral Conscious Sedation – Your child’s dentist will provide an oral pill for them to take leading up to their procedure causing a heavy grogginess and sleepiness. Motor skills and memory may be temporarily slowed following their procedure.
• Intravenous “IV” Sedation – Sedative medications will be delivered through your child’s bloodstream via an IV line. This form of sedation will make them feel like they are in the “twilight zone / twilight sleep”. They will need to take it easy for up to 24 hours.
• General Anesthesia – This type of sedation puts your child completely out during their procedure. General Anesthesia requires the addition of a licensed anesthesiologist to continuously monitor their overall health and well-being while the dentist performs all their dental treatment needs. With this level of sedation, all of their treatment needs can be completed in a single visit. They will need to take it easy for up to 36 hours, and will require at-home monitoring.

Leading Up to Your Child’s Sedation Appointment

Their initial consultation is all about them. Their dentist will go over their health history as well as any medications or supplementations they are currently taking. In this appointment, their dentist will also discuss with you the types of sedation options available and which one they recommend depending on your child’s individual case. They will prepare you and your child for the day of and what they should or should not eat and drink.

During Your Child’s Sedation Appointment

We understand your child’s anticipation of their appointment is likely going to cause them a lot of stress and anxiety, but we want to do our part in making their experience as relaxed and comfortable as possible!

Some things we will provide at their appointment are:

• Warm blankets
• Calming music
• Television to help take their mind off of stressors

The anesthesiologist will ensure your child is properly issued the sedation you have chosen in a safe and effective manner before beginning their procedure.

After Your Child’s Sedation Appointment

Following your child’s sedation appointment, you will both be sent home with the necessary tools to continue caring for their teeth whether they simply had a cleaning or a more extensive procedure. Our office will call you after hours to check in on how they are feeling and getting along, and we have 24 hour emergency lines available should you need to contact us for any reason.

The Bottom Line

We understand and sympathize with the dental anxiety and fear your child is experiencing. It’s their body’s way of protecting itself, and we want to come alongside them and empower them as they choose to face their fears and learn to care for their oral health. Sedation dentistry is both of your tickets to overcoming the worries and stress of how they will make it through their appointment!

Call to book your child’s consultation and sedation appointment today!

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Sedation Dentistry. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry

Dental Restorative Group. (n.d.). How Soon Can I Drive After Receiving Anesthesia for Oral Surgery? Dental Restorative Group. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from https://dentalrestorativegroup.com/how-soon-can-i-drive-after-receiving-anesthesia-for-oral-surgery/