How Sedation Dentistry Can Benefit a Restless or Anxious Child

sedation dentistry RockwallSedation dentistry can make visiting a pediatric dentist more comfortable and pleasant – especially if a child struggles with anxiety or restlessness. Utilizing sedation in dental settings offers a number of benefits for younger patients. Our practice offers this comfort amenity to enhance care during procedures like tooth extractions and restorative dentistry treatments.

Types of Sedation

Our practice offers three forms of sedation: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. We practice stringent protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Nitrous Oxide: This drug-free sedation option involves inhaling safe nitrous oxide gas through a nasal mask. Sometimes called “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide produces a euphoric effect that relaxes the mind and body. It also can enhance the effectiveness of local anesthetics.

This form of sedation does not produce lingering effects after the nasal mask is removed, which makes it a great option for minimally invasive treatments and dental cleanings. Since it does not have long-lasting effects, children can resume normal activities soon after their appointments.

Oral Sedation: This type of sedation utilizes prescription anti-anxiety medications. Oral sedation is typically reserved for patients with pronounced anxiety or dental phobias. It can also reduce restlessness. Prescription medication does take effect for four to six hours so patients may feel groggy for a few hours after their procedures.

IV Sedation: Involving medications delivered intravenously, IV sedation is useful for complex or lengthy treatments. This type of sedation does not induce unconsciousness, but it does promote strong relaxing effects that make it possible to sleep through treatments. The dosage of IV sedation can be easily adjusted so that a patient receives only the amount of medication they need.

Benefits of Sedation for Children

Some children struggle with restlessness during appointments. Sedation makes it possible for our team to work without obstruction. Since anti-anxiety medications reduce feelings of fear or panic, this comfort amenity is especially helpful for children who have fears associated with dental settings. Receiving sedation also helps our patients develop healthy and positive associations with dental treatments, which can help reduce the intensity of dental anxiety in the future.

If you have questions about your child’s comfort during appointments, consider discussing sedation with our pediatric dentist. Call The Smiley Tooth Pediatric Dental Specialists to reserve your next appointment.