Pediatric IV Dental Sedation
We all know that children can get understandably worried or scared when they need a dental procedure such as a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. Today, we have a way to make the experience better.
Some dental procedures require children to be completely still as there may be a lot to fix. Also, the noise of a dentist's drill may be scary for kids. Fortunately, IV dental sedation is available for children.
There are three levels of sedation dentistry: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation. IV dental sedation is considered deep sedation.
Before a child receives IV dental sedation, their health history will be taken by a pediatric dentist to make sure it is appropriate for the child. Parents always have a chance to ask questions about the procedure and sedation. After all those questions are answered, the parent will be asked to sign consent forms.
On the day of the dental procedure, the child will be distracted with toys and/or video games while an IV is placed in the child’s arm and sedation medication flows in through the IV. A continuous flow of medication is used during the dental procedure. The child will still receive numbing medication in the area of the procedure.
While the dentist, or oral surgeon, performs the procedure, a second dental professional will be monitoring the child's heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
At the end of the dental treatment, the IV dental sedation is turned off, and the IV is removed as the child begins to awaken. The child will likely feel refreshed and have little memory of the appointment.
Laughing Gas for Kids - Pediatric Dentist in Frisco
There is a way for children to be calm and have a better experience with dental procedures. We all know that children are often fearful and anxious over dental procedures. Going to the dentist can be stressful for them. They may even panic when they arrive at a dental office.
Fortunately, sedation dentistry is very helpful in calming children and making the entire experience more comfortable. One of the safest types of dental sedation is nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas.
Children’s Laughing Gas Dentist in Frisco
Laughing gas, mixed with oxygen, creates a relaxing effect but does not cause the child to fall a sleep. Children may feel lightheaded, experience a floating sensation, and have a happier mood. Laughing gas relaxes an anxious child, and takes the edge off so he, or she, is calmer during the dental procedure.
Laughing gas eliminates a sense of time to help children, with short attention spans, during extensive dental treatment. They will not be as anxious or feel the need to move around.
Laughing gas can be easily controlled. The dentist, or a dental assistant, can adjust the amount of gas the child needs. Because laughing gas wears off so quickly, the side effects are low. The child breathes oxygen for a few minutes at the end of treatment so that all the laughing gas leaves their body.
Parents should make sure their child does not have a full stomach as laughing gas can cause nausea and vomiting in a small percentage of kids if they have a big meal before their appointment.
Parents may be wondering if laughing gas actually makes kids laugh. That only happens in a very small percentage of kids.
Oral Sedation for Kids & Children
Kid’s can feel afraid when they are facing a dental procedure. Fortunately, oral sedation can help. Oral sedation is a medication given by a dentist to make children calm during dental procedures such as extractions, root canals, and fillings. Oral sedation is a mild sedative that will make children feel very relaxed and a little sleepy. This medication allows children to sleep, but it is possible they will still be awake.
Oral Sedation for Kids & Children in Frisco
Oral sedation is not a painkiller. The dentist will still inject painkiller medication to numb the gums near the procedure area to keep it pain-free. Oral sedation is great for children (and adults) who experience a lot of fear and anxiety at the dentist's office.
Oral sedation comes in liquid or pill form. The medication starts to work in about 20 minutes, so it is normally taken when the child arrives at the dentist's office. Normally, children should not eat or drink after midnight the night before the appointment. The dentist's office will give the parent specific directions.
The dentist will review the child’s medical history, and explain to the parent the type of oral sedation the child will receive. The parent will be asked to sign a consent form before any sedation is given.
During the procedure, the child’s vital signs will be monitored closely by the dental staff. Oral sedation medicine may last up to six hours after the treatment. This is why children should not go back to school after the procedure.
It is normal for children to seem incoherent afterward. When the oral medication wears off, children may not remember what happened during the procedure.
If your child needs a dental procedure, please call our office to make an appointment. The dentist can explain what the procedure is and how your child will be sedated. Our office puts a top priority on safety for our little patients. Call today.
