Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures when your child has a dental phobia or finds it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including:
- Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas")-used to calm you.
- IV sedation
- Oral sedatives
- General anesthetic-used to put you to sleep.
If your child has a dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes, they may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, pulpotomies, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make your child comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell our staff about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, we explain the process of sedation as well as pre-and post-sedation instructions.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is recommended for moderately apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatment. Your child will become quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious.
Nitrous Oxide also known as “Laughing Gas”
Some children are given nitrous to help them relax for dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide and it is given through a small breathing mask placed over the child’s nose. The gas is mild, easily taken, and quickly eliminated from the body. The relaxed state it produces in the patient allows them to respond more favorably to treatment. Nitrous Oxide is very safe. Your child will remain fully awake and alert.
Before the Dental Appointment
- Please call the office if your child becomes sick or develops a fever, cough, sore throat or has a runny nose within two days before the dental appointment. Another appointment will be scheduled.
- Medication is given by mouth. Therefore, your child must have an empty stomach in order for the medication to be absorbed and be effective. Do not give your child milk or any solid foods after midnight, before their dental appointment.
- Your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must stay at the office for the duration of the dental appointment.
- If you are driving, make arrangements to have another adult in the car with you to assist on the trip back home. Use a seat belt and an appropriate car seat to protect your child in the car.
After the Dental Treatment
- Although your child is awake after the dental work has been completed, he/she may be drowsy and may want to sleep for a few hours or most of the day.
- Immediately after the dental treatment, your child may be hungry and thirsty. At this time, your child may drink only clear liquids.
- After the dental treatment, your child may still have the effect of the local anesthesia. Please instruct the child not to bite the lip, tongue or cheek. Supervise your child until the local anesthesia wears off.
- At home, encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids, and serve him/her soft solids such as JELL-O or applesauce. Chewing hard food may cause the child to bite the lip, tongue or cheek.
- Supervise your child’s activities for the rest of the day. He/she may be slightly unsteady and should not be allowed to play outside or climb stairs without close supervision.
- Some children my be irritable or experience nausea and vomiting. If your child has to throw up let him/her do so. Do not attempt to prevent the child from throwing up.
- If you have any questions or concerns, either before or after your visit, please call our office. We are available through our answering service at all times and are pleased to receive your call.
To make your child’s first appointment with The Super Dentists and their team of professionals, call (619) DENTIST (336-8478) today!