Facts About Pediatric Oral Sedation

There are various types of sedation for dentistry procedures. Sedation is when we help your child become calm for a dental procedure, but do not allow them to fall asleep. Sedation is performed at your dentist's office, and can be advised for various procedures, like with children who have an extreme fear of dental procedures, certain children with special needs, and children who tend to be restless when required to sit still for long periods of time.

What is pediatric sedation dentistry?

Many children, not to mention adults, have quite a bit of anxiety when receiving dental care. Sedation dentistry involves the use of gentle sedatives to calm your child. A key distinction is that sedation medication is not for the use of controlling discomfort or pain.

Sedation Types

Nitrous oxide, commonly called "laughing gas," is an extremely safe and gentle sedative that promotes relaxation during your child's dental procedure. This type of sedation is given via a special mask carrying oxygen along with the medication. Your child will breathe through their nose and become sedated within five minutes. This mask will remain until the completion of the procedure.

The child patient will stay awake throughout the complete procedure and may have feelings of happiness or mild euphoria. After the completion of your child's procedure, your child will be breathing in pure oxygen to flush out any leftover nitrous gas.

Pediatric Oral Sedation

If your child is commonly anxious during dental procedures, we may use oral sedation, which is given through the mouth or nose. This is a type of medication that leads to feelings of drowsiness and relaxation, allowing your child to remain relaxed during their dental procedure.

Oral sedation typically starts working within 20 minutes. Once your child arrives for their appointment, they will be provided this type of sedation in preparation of their dental procedure. Be sure that your child does not eat or drink anything after midnight of the night prior to their dental procedure.

Comforting Your Child Before Sedation

Many parents who watch their children undergo sedation find it to be a somewhat uncomfortable experience. Your child can pick up on your anxiety and become anxious themselves. Knowing this, it is helpful to remain as positive and calm as possible.

After Sedation

Children have varying reactions upon emerging from sedation. Your child may be confused, fussy, cry, or sick to their stomach. These are normal reactions that will begin fading very quickly as the medication wears off. It may take the rest of the day for your child to feel completely themselves.