There are many differences between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist. Many parents do not realize that a pediatric dentist is not the same as a general dentist. Your children have dental needs that adults do not have. You know how important it is to get your child to the dentist. But you might…
Is Dental Sedation Right for My Child – Ask a Children’s Dentist
Sometimes, your child might be afraid of a procedure at the children's dentist. That might be when cavities need to be filled or the teeth need to be pulled. Sedation dentistry can help to keep your child calm and be cooperative. You can rest assured that your children’s dentist will keep an eye on your child’s vital signs then. Keep reading to learn more.
What is sedation dentistry?
With sedation dentistry, a medication will be used that will help the patient to relax. This is also known as sleep dentistry. However, this is about more than just going to sleep with medication. There are many different levels of this kind of dentistry. These include:
- Minimal sedation
- Moderate sedation
- Deep sedation
- General anesthesia
A patient who has only minimal sedation will still be awake. But the child will still be relaxed. On the other hand, with general anesthesia, the child will be unconscious. There are several ways that a children’s dentist can do sedation dentistry. A child might inhale nitrous oxide.
On the other hand, a child might have oral medication. With inhaled sedation, the child will breathe in nitrous oxide and oxygen. A mask will be placed over the child’s nose and mouth, making them feel more relaxed. With oral sedation, the child will receive a pill.
This can vary from moderate to very minimal. The level of sedation will depend on the strength of the pill from the children’s dentist. The child will be drowsy but stay conscious during the procedure. For stronger effects, the patient may have intravenous (IV) sedation.
This will go through a vein and allow it to take effect quickly. The dentist can easily adjust how much medication is going in. For the strongest effects, a child might have general anesthesia. That allows the child to go to a deep sleep and the child will not remember much of what happened.
Preparing for sedation dentistry
Often, the right way to prepare a child for sedation is to help them understand it. When a child knows what will happen throughout the treatment, they can better prepare for it. A parent will need to stop a child from having any food or water before the procedure happens. That will reduce the chances of stomach contents being inhaled if there is vomiting.
The child should wear comfortable clothing that will allow monitors to be attached easily. The parent will also need to provide the medical history of the child. This is the time to mention any prescription medications that the child is taking. Herbal supplements should also be mentioned.
Visit a children’s dentist today
Having any kind of dental procedure might cause your child to feel anxious. The good news is that you can help them through the process. Stay composed and calm while you are with your child. Talking to your children’s dentist can help you decide if sedation is right for your child.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Children's Dentist in Newtown, CT.
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