Sedation Dentistry can be one of the most beneficial things a parent can do to help their child through their younger years of visiting the dentist. In contrast to general anesthesia which means that the child is unconscious, dental sedation is only used to reduce the child’s anxiety during a dental visit.
It also helps with removing any discomfort as well for the little one. In some cases, the child may become very sleepy, along with being less active while the sedation is being used, but this will quickly desist after the procedure is completed and is one of the benefits compared to anesthesia.
Sedation is used for several reasons in dentistry. First, children that are very young are often unable to keep seated still for long enough for a pediatric dentist to complete the high-precision procedures before they become restless. Sedation makes the visit far less stressful for both children and adults. It also is great in that it vastly reduces the risk of any injury due to the movement of a fidgety little one.
Secondly, some children can become upset with the struggle of managing their anxiety during dental appointments. Sedation helps them to relax and feel safe and happy about treatment. Typically it makes the process so enjoyable that they have no hesitation coming back the next time for the visit for a cleaning!
Thirdly, sedation dentistry is extremely useful for kids with special needs. It prevents spontaneous movement and guides cooperative behavior which will help both the child and any fear and anxiety the parent may have during the appointment.
The pediatric dentist may recommend nitrous oxide, which is also known as “laughing gas,” for children who exhibit and are telling of their nervousness or anxiety about the visit. Nitrous oxide is delivered by using a mask that fits over the nose, which is typically soft and not uncomfortable at all.
Oral sedation is another option that may be used for children who are uncooperative, particularly anxious, or unable to control their muscles for prolonged periods. In these cases, an oral sedative may be a good option the dentist will offer. Oral sedatives come in many different forms but are usually in pill form, and may make the child feel drowsy. If it is decided that oral sedatives are going to be used, the pediatric dentist will typically require parents to administer the pill a certain amount of time before the appointment.
This form of sedation is rarely used in sedation dentistry for cleanings and routine appointments. Due to the amount of preparation that is needed for general anesthesia, this would only be used as a last resort for a child and would not typically be done in a dental office.
Have more questions about the benefits of sedation dentistry for your little one? Give us a call and we will gladly answer any additional questions you may have. Contact us today!
Request an appointment here: https://voguedental.com or call Vogue Dental at (309) 449-8888 for an appointment in our Normal office.
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