As a parent, ensuring your child’s dental care is vital, but it can also be challenging. From dealing with anxiety and fear to cooperating during the check-up, many children find the experience stressful. However, pediatric sedation dentistry has been introduced to revolutionize dental care for children. This process is becoming a popular option for parents with children who have special needs or phobias while visiting the dentist. Explore everything you need to know about pediatric sedation dentistry.

What Is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?

Pediatric sedation dentistry is the application of medication to help children relax while undergoing dental procedures. These medications are safe and can be administered orally, through an IV, or a gas mask. The process will not put children completely unconscious; instead, sedation will make children feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable. This process is usually used for children who have dental anxiety, have special needs, or require extensive procedures.

Types of Sedation Used in Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric dentists use different types of sedation depending on the needs of the child. These include:

• Nitrous oxide – commonly referred to as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask.
• Oral sedation – the medication is given orally or through a syringe.
• IV sedation – the medication is administered through an IV.

The pediatric dentist will determine which type of sedation is most suitable for the child based on their needs, age, and medical history.

Benefits of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Pediatric sedation dentistry has several benefits for both the child and the dental provider. For the child, sedation allows them to relax and feel pain-free before and during the dental procedure, making the experience less stressful and traumatic. It also makes it easier for the dental provider to perform the procedure without worrying about the child being nervous or uncooperative.

Safety of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Pediatric sedation dentistry is a safe process that is carried out in carefully monitored settings by qualified professionals. Pediatric dentists undergo special training, and the medications used are carefully selected based on factors such as the child's weight and medical history. This ensures that the child's sedation experience is safe and that the procedure is carried out correctly.

Aftercare

After the dental procedure is completed, the child may feel drowsy for a while. Parents should ensure that their child gets enough rest and does not engage in any strenuous activities. Parents can also encourage fluid intake and opt for soft food that is easy to digest. The dentist will also provide specific discharge instructions to follow up after the procedure.

For more information about pediatric sedation dentistry, reach out to a local clinic.