Dental sedation is a very safe procedure for children. Here’s how it works, and some details about safety precautions parents can take to make the process go more smoothly.
Why is my dentist recommending sedation for my child?
Your dentist may recommend sedation for your child if they are going to undergo long, complex procedures, or for children who are especially young or nervous.
Dental sedation can also allow children with special needs to get the dental treatment they need, treatment that might otherwise be impossible or extremely stressful.
Types of Sedation for Children
The primary types of sedation dentists most commonly use for children are the same as those used for adults: oral sedation, nitrous oxide and intravenous sedation.
Taken by mouth or through the nose, oral sedation is given to the patient when they first arrive for the appointment. The medicine normally takes up to 20 minutes to begin working. Oral sedation helps the patient to relax, it doesn't put them to sleep.
'Laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) is also used to help children remain calm during dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is delivered via a face mask, and within a few minutes, the patient begins to relax and experience euphoric feelings. Once the procedure is complete, pure oxygen is given to the patient to clear out any remaining nitrous oxide.
Intravenous sedation is delivered through a needle inserted into the patient's vein. First nitrous oxide is used to send the child to sleep, then a needle is inserted into a vein on the back of the hand. A tube will also be inserted into the patient's throat to in order to aid breathing.
Safety Precautions for Children’s Dental Sedation
Your child is likely to tolerate sedation dental procedures best if you understand what is happening and prepare your child ahead of the appointment.
Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare your child before of the appointment, and will be happy to answer all your questions.
For instance, your dentist will give you instructions for how to restrict food and drink before the sedation appointment.
Be sure to dress your child in loose-fitting clothing which will allow dental assistants to attach monitors quickly with minimal fuss.
You will also be asked to provide a full medical history for your child. Let your dentist know if your child is receiving any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or even herbal supplements.
Ensuring the your child's safety is paramount during dental sedation. While sedated, your child's blood pressure, blood oxygen level, heart rate and temperature will be closely monitored.
Your child should be taken home by two adults — one to drive, and the other to monitor the child's breathing. Some of the longer-lasting aftereffects of sedation include loss of physical coordination, dizziness, sleepiness and nausea, which means that going back to school or daycare on the day of the appointment not an option.
For the first few hours after the procedure, parents should give the child only soft foods. When the mouth has healed, the child may continue caring for his teeth as normal.