3 TYPES OF SEDATION DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN
Pediatric dentists use sedation dentistry to help young patients relax during dental procedures. Often sedation dentistry is referred to as "sleep dentistry" however the child is usually awake unless under general anesthesia
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen – or what you may know as laughing gas – to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, and it is quickly eliminated from the body and it is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all of their natural reflexes.
Oral Conscious Sedation for Kids
Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may become quite drowsy and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious. There are a variety of different medications that can be used for conscious sedation. Your dentist will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment plan. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific medicine we plan to administer to your child.
IV. Sedation Dentistry
I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, children with a lot of dental restorative treatment needs, children with special needs, or children for whom conscious sedation does not work. Our pediatric dentist performs the dental treatment in our office with the child anesthetized under I.V. sedation, which is administered and monitored by a licensed Pediatric Anesthesiologist. If the child has any severe medical conditions, he or she may have to be referred to a hospital setting for treatment under general anesthesia in the hospital.
If you have any questions about treatment under IV sedation or general anesthesia, please call our office at 408-226-0323