Deciding whether sedation should be used for dental care on your children creates great anxiety for parents. The experience of going to the dentist strikes fear in most people, leading children to both resist dental procedures and fail to maintain their position during appointments.
At Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry, they understand the challenges that parents face when it comes to childrens dental care. Professional sedation services at dental facilities work as a tool for child patients to maintain safety while receiving treatment.
The following discussion demonstrates the available sedation options alongside appropriate criteria to consider while choosing sedation for your child.
Is Sedation Safe for My Child?
The safety of sedation dentistry remains high, although professionals use it frequently to care for pediatric patients. Patient safety at Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry depends on the following recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) for both observation and precise sedative dosing.
Your child does not need to fall asleep for sedation yet can experience different levels of relaxation ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to conscious sedation. The methods serve two purposes: helping children maintain tranquility and enabling dental professionals to work without disruption.
When Should Sedation Be Considered?
Doctors use sedation therapy for different medical scenarios. Sedation presents itself as an appropriate solution for children who face intense dental appointment anxiety or lack sufficient cooperation with dental operations.
Multiple or extensive dental treatments generally require sedation as an additional consideration. A decision about sedation cannot be made until the dentist evaluates your child’s health and personality alongside the procedure’s nature to determine the type of sedation necessary.
Types of Sedation Available for Children
The type of sedation your child receives depends on their specific needs among multiple available options.
- Nitrous Oxide: Children use laughing gas as a mild sedative to become relaxed without losing consciousness during treatment. Simple procedures benefit from this sedative, which disappears soon after treatment is completed.
- Conscious Sedation: Children requiring additional relaxation benefit from oral administration of conscious sedation. Through sedation, your child will stay awake yet will reach a deeply relaxed state and experience less pain.
- General Anesthesia: Extreme patient anxiety or demanding dental procedures might justify the need for general anesthesia. Your baby will remain unconscious via the treatment even as healthcare companies carry out the required strategies.
How Can I Prepare My Child for Sedation?
Children need proper preparation to achieve successful dental sedation experiences. Instructions regarding eating and ingesting earlier than the surgical procedure need to be observed exactly. Avoid the usage of poor phrases when speaking about the method. Use comforting words like “sleepy juice” and assure your infant that they will sense better afterward.
Your baby will sense better while you exhibit a non-annoying state. Your toddler will benefit from better protection through the presence of a comfort item, including a toy or blanket.
Conclusion
Your selection regarding infant dental sedation must be primarily based on each sedation needs, the child’s age, and the required process’s complexity. Talk to your pediatric dentist so you can decide which method of care and comfort will work best for your child.