Sedation Dentistry For Children

Coping with the fear of visiting the dentist is observed more amongst children as compared to adults who are patients. Such patients are good candidates for oral or dental sedation. At Sunshine Dental, we take ample measures to help your child ease during procedures, also ensuring that their time with us is as pleasant as possible. 

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry makes use of medicine to help patients relax during dental procedures. The types of sedation dentistry are general anesthesia, in-office sedation, or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Whether your child is undergoing a particular treatment or is only beginning to have a new one, we would ensure that your child feels relaxed in the dental chair.

What are the levels of dental sedation?

While administering dental sedation, patients are often partially conscious, except for those who may be wholly sedated with general anesthesia. Dental sedation may be of the below levels:

• Minimal sedation: The patient perhaps awake, but relaxed.
• Moderate sedation: Also known as conscious sedation. The patient wouldn't be able to remember much from the procedure.
• Deep sedation: Although at the edge of being conscious, patients with deep sedation can still be awakened.
• General anesthesia:The patient would be completely unconscious.

What are the kinds of dental procedures that may require pediatric dental sedation?

Oral sedation is generally advised in case the patient requires procedures such as:

• Dental fillings (maybe composite resin)
• Dental crowns
• Root Canals
• Tooth Extractions

Nitrous Oxide/ Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas is known to be a gaseous form of dental sedation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the gaseous form of sedation to be the safest form of sedation dentistry. The gas is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which can be inhaled by wearing a nasal mask. The conscious sedation would help patients stay awake but yet remain relaxed during procedures. The child's vital would be strictly monitored, and normal breathing patterns would be assessed. 

In-Office Sedation

The in-office method of pediatric sedation would make use of IV medications at the procedure room to minimize anxiety and discomfort while the procedure takes place. Our board-certified anesthesiologists would use safe and effective medication to sedate the patient. Sedation guidelines would be strictly followed as per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. 

GA (General Anesthesia)

General anesthesia would typically let your child sleep throughout the procedure where he/she would hold no memory of the same. Only those candidates who experience severe anxiety, disability, etc. would be considered eligible for general anesthesia.

Are They Safe?

Pediatric dental sedation is considered to be an efficient means of making children feel safe during procedures. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes it. While planning out your child's dental procedure, the dentist, along with the team, would discuss and explain every aspect of the process. Pre and post sedation instructions would also be discussed with the patient.

To know more about sedation dentistry for children, discuss with our Livermore dentist, Dr. Sushma Balakrishna.