Pediatric Dental Sedation

About Pediatric Dental Sedation

Dental procedures can be a scary and anxiety-inducing experience for children.

We don’t want a visit to our office to be a negative experience, and we do everything we can to make each visit a positive one.

One way we do that is through the use of pediatric dental sedation.

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What is Pediatric Dental Sedation?

Pediatric dental sedation is the use of medication to help children relax or sleep during a dental procedure.

There are different types of sedation options available, and the type used will depend on the specific needs of the child and the complexity of the procedure.

Sedation allows dentists to perform complex procedures in less time, while also reducing any potential discomfort or anxiety for the child.

Benefits of Pediatric Dental Sedation

1. Reduces anxiety: Sedation helps children feel calm and relaxed, making the dental visit a more comfortable experience. This can be especially beneficial for children who have had previous negative experiences at the dentist or suffer from dental anxiety.
2. Saves time: With sedation, dentists can complete procedures in less time as the child is able to sit still and cooperate without discomfort or fear.
3. Better treatment results: When children are relaxed and not moving around, it allows dentists to perform their work more precisely, resulting in better treatment outcomes.
4. Allows for multiple procedures in one visit: For children who need multiple procedures done, sedation can help them endure longer appointments without becoming overwhelmed or anxious.

Types of Pediatric Dental Sedation

We offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation when appropriate to our pediatric patients. 

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small nose piece. It is typically used for shorter and less invasive dental procedures.

This sedation method helps to ease anxiety while keeping the child awake and responsive. The effects wear off as soon as the nose piece is removed, allowing the child to return to normal activities without any lingering drowsiness.

IV Sedation

This method involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through an IV line, providing a deeper level of relaxation. 

This type of sedation is used for more complex or longer procedures where a higher level of sedation is necessary to keep the child calm and comfortable. 

It is typically recommended if a child has a strong fear of the dentist or requires extensive dental work that will require them to remain still for a long period of time.

NuSmile Soan Cordless Electronic Injection Pen

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area inside the mouth that is being worked on.

Traditionally, this is administered with a syringe and needle, which can be scary and painful for children.

The NuSmile Soan Cordless Electronic Injection Pen is a new technology that replaces the traditional syringe and needle with a pen-like device.

It is a painless injection system that eliminates the puncture sensation. It delivers anesthesia at a controlled rate, resulting in a pain-free experience that wears off faster than traditional methods. This type of local anesthesia only numbs the teeth and gums worked on, not the tongue or lips. 

Comparison of Sedation Options

Safety of Pediatric Dental Sedation

The safety of our young patients is always our top priority.

All sedation procedures are performed by trained and experienced professionals to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience for your child.

Nitrous oxide is provided by our certified and trained staff.  IV deep sedation is provided by a partnering advanced anesthesia team that travels to our office periodically.

What to Expect When Your Child is Given Sedation

Every child reacts differently to dental sedation. However, here are a few things you can expect when your child is given nitrous oxide or IV sedation. 

• Nitrous Oxide: Your child will inhale the gas through a small nose piece. They may feel lightheaded or in a dream-like state. They may experience tingling sensations in their arms and legs. 
  
  Once the procedure is complete, they will be given pure oxygen to breathe for a few minutes to clear out any remaining gas. In rare cases, they may feel a bit nauseous or sick to their stomach after. If they vomit, it is important to give them fluids to drink to keep them hydrated. Their mouth will still be numb from the local anesthetic, so try not to give them any food until the numbing wears off.
• IV Sedation:  Your child will have an IV line inserted into their hand or arm. They may feel sleepy or dizzy as the medication takes effect. Their vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire procedure to ensure their safety. They will be in a state of deep relaxation but will still be able to respond to commands and may even fall asleep. 
  
  Once the procedure is complete, they will be monitored until the medication wears off. As the effects of the medication wear off, they may be confused, emotional or nauseous.  It is important to keep them calm and comfortable during this time.

Aftercare for Sedated Children

After your child has been sedated, they may feel drowsy or have difficulty walking on their own. 

Here are some tips for aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Have your child rest at home for the remainder of the day.
• Offer clear fluids and soft foods once the numbing has worn off.
• Do not leave children unattended for the remainder of the day. 
• Administer any prescribed pain medication as directed by the dentist.
• If your child experiences nausea or vomiting, give them small sips of water to stay hydrated.
• Contact your dentist if you have any concerns or questions during the recovery period.

Why Choose Stanley Pediatric Dentistry for Pediatric Dental Sedation

Dr. Kate, our board-certified pediatric dentist, leads our team with expertise and compassion.

Her extensive training and experience in pediatric dentistry allow her to provide high-quality care tailored to meet the specific needs of each child.

We prioritize creating a welcoming and trusting environment for both children and parents, making every visit a positive experience. 

Some children feel more comfortable if they have a parent with them in the treatment room. We allow one parent or caregiver to accompany their child to the treatment room to help them feel more at ease during nitrous oxide sedation appointments.

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