Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to keep your child calm and relaxed during dental procedures. It can be used in anything from more complex and invasive procedures to simple tooth cleanings. Sedation dentistry offers an incredibly safe and effective means to help nervous or fidgety patients get the proper oral health care that their smiles need.

The team at My Kidz Dentist uses oral sedation for many of their patients. It’s a pill taken by mouth as soon as your child arrives at their appointment or shortly before since the medicine can take anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour to fully kick in.

The sedative will make your child drowsy without putting them fully asleep. Once your child is sedated, the dentist will perform whatever procedures you’ve brought them in for. The only difference is that they’ll be totally calm and relaxed throughout the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is very safe. Your dentist at My Kidz Dentist will take into account your child’s weight and age as they determine the amount of sedative to give them, ensuring that they get a dosage that will help them relax while still being safe for their system. The team of dental professionals will also monitor your child’s vital signs during the procedure.

How can I help make the process easier for my child?

There are a number of things that you can do before, during, and after your child’s procedure in order to make their experience as positive as possible.

Before your child’s sedation dentistry procedure, you’ll need to restrict their food and drink intake. Consult with the team at My Kidz Dentist to determine exactly how long they should go without food or drink. You should also be prepared to give the dentist your child’s full medical history and let them know if they’re taking any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or herbal supplements.

During the procedure, it helps if you remain calm and encourage your child. Some parents like to bring along a comfort item, like a toy or stuffed animal, or hold their child’s hand during the procedure. It’s recommended that you avoid bringing any other children to the appointment, as it can detract from your ability to give your full attention and focus to the child undergoing sedation.

After the appointment, it’s recommended that you be present as your child’s sedative wears off.  Some of the longer lasting after-effects of sedation include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, so you shouldn’t have your child go back to school or daycare afterward. Also, be sure to give them only soft foods for a few hours after the procedure.

To learn more about how sedation dentistry can help give your child a happy and healthy smile, schedule an appointment today with the experts at My Kidz Dentist by calling the office nearest you or booking a visit online.