Does your child throw a temper tantrum at the word "dentist?" Does he or she refuse to open their mouth for the dentist?
A visit to the dentist office can be unpleasant, even traumatizing to a child.
The
sounds of drills, the bright lighting, the unpleasant tasting fluoride
and the sensation of the dentist doing work inside the mouth can easily
scare children.
Panicking children can make their office visit
longer and make the dentist's job harder. Children can also put
themselves at greater risk for injury.
This is where dental sedation comes in.
Types of Dental Sedation Treatments for Children
Dental sedation can calm and put a worried child at ease, whereby the dentist can quickly and smoothly do his or her work.
There
are many types of dental sedation options available. The best one for
your child will be determined by your child's level of anxiety and the
dental procedure the dentist will perform on your child.
Oral Sedation
Oral
sedation is taken by mouth and is usually administered to the child as
soon as they get to the dentist office. This form of sedation can take
up to 20 minutes to work and take effect. Oral sedation does not put the
child to sleep, but merely calms and relaxes the patient.
This type of sedation is the best choice for very frightened young patients who will be getting a routine dental procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous
oxide, or laughing gas, is the most common form of pediatric dental
sedation. Nitrous oxide is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is
administered through a plastic mask that is placed over the child's
nose. Nitrous oxide helps relax the patient and makes the child
experience euphoric feelings. After the dental procedure is completed,
more oxygen is added to clear out the nitrous oxide.
This kind of
dental sedation is the best option for most nervous, young patients who
are visiting the dentist for a simple, quick, routine dental procedure.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous
sedation is administered into the child's veins via needle. This needle
is typically inserted into the back of the child's hand. As many
children are afraid of needles and the pain they cause, nitrous oxide is
usually administered beforehand to relax and put the child asleep.
A
breathing tube is also inserted into the patient's throat to aid in
regular breathing while the child is asleep during the dental procedure.
This
is the most common sedation treatment for young patients who require
intensive dental work, such as surgery. This form of sedation will put
the patient to sleep rather than relax them.
