For many children, a dental visit is a terrifying experience. Anxiety, fear, or agitation can make a patient child and parents feel overwhelmed by routine care. Thankfully, pediatric sedation dentistry offers relief that allows children to remain calm and at ease during their dental procedure. Sedation dentistry eases the environment, thus allowing pediatric specialists to extend necessary care in a timely and safe manner.
What is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
It is the use of medication to keep young patients relaxed when undergoing dental treatment. The sedation is done in a controlled environment and is specific to the age of the patient, their past medical history, and their treatment needs. The procedure is especially beneficial to children who suffer from extreme anxiety, have special needs, or require extended and complex treatments.
Sedation medications for child sedation dentistry include:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild degree of sedation that calms children but does not make them sleep. They remain awake and responsive throughout treatment.
- Oral Sedation: Taken orally in liquid or tablet form, prior to the procedure, this makes children relaxed and sleepy. It is used most often to sedate children.
- IV Sedation: Sedated intravenously, it will get even more sedate. The child is awake but extremely relaxed.
- General Anesthesia: Only for long procedures or in children who can’t endure treatment otherwise. The child is under anesthesia during the procedure.
All types of sedation are administered under close supervision by professionals to provide maximum safety and efficacy.
When Is Kids Dental Sedation Needed?
Children dental sedation is not employed in all situations but can be necessary in certain ones, such as:
- Severe fear or apprehension regarding the dentist
- Young children who will not be listened to or cannot fully cooperate
- Children with special healthcare needs
- Multi-procedure procedures within one visit
- Traumatic history of previous dental treatment
- Uncontrolled gagging during therapy
Parents and dentists must work together to decide if sedation is right for an individual child’s needs and select the safest and most effective method.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Kids
Sedation is an option that has many advantages:
- Less stress and anxiety: Children are able to be treated without feeling emotionally distressed.
- Better cooperation: Makes it easier for the dentist to perform the treatment successfully.
- Relaxation for long procedures: Relaxes children during long treatment.
- Improved dental care: Enables the dentist to offer long-term effective care.
If administered by qualified professionals, sedation dentistry provides a wonderful experience that fills patients with confidence and makes them visit the dentist willingly without fear.
What Parents Need to Know Before Making Sedation Choices?
Parents will discuss with the pediatric dentist before sedation and go over the treatment plan and child’s medical history. While in the chair, the dental staff will:
- Describe how the calming treatment works.
- Detail risks and side effects
- Give pre- and post-operative instructions
- Answer all questions or concerns
On the day of the procedure, children may be asked to avoid food or drink for a certain period beforehand. After the treatment, the child may be drowsy for a few hours, so monitoring at home is essential until they are fully alert.
The Role of Pediatric Dentistry
Availability of quality pediatric dentistry in Pulaski means that children receive dental care that is meant for their developing and emotional needs. Pediatric dental offices offer child-friendly environments, caring professionals, and private sedation to assist in making children’s dental experiences more comfortable.
By attending to the emotional, as well as the dental, health, Pulaski children’s dentists are leading the way in helping children develop a lifetime of good oral habits and healthy attitudes towards dentistry.
Create Positive Dental Memories For Your Child With Us!
Regardless of whether your child needs a filling, an extraction, or multiple procedures, sedation is an option to make the experience more comfortable and less stressful. Southern Comfort Pediatric Dentistry offers a soothing, caring atmosphere with advanced pediatric sedation dentistry. For a dentist, who understands children’s needs, contact us today to schedule an appointment.