Does a Pediatric Dentist Offer Sedation?

A kid-friendly dentist sometimes has to put a child under sedation or general anesthesia so that necessary dental procedures can be performed. A dentist might need to keep a child sedated for reasons like:

• The procedure requires the child to be still for its entirety
• The child needs a lot of work done on them. Sedation allows the dentist to work faster and get a lot more done
• The child has a fear of dentists

The goal of any kid-friendly dentist is always to provide a pleasant, pain-free and safe experience for their patients.

A kid-friendly dentist explains dental sedation for children

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both established guidelines for dentists to follow while performing general anesthesia or deep sedation on children.

There should be a minimum of two people present who can provide advanced life support procedures if any unexpected problems develop during the treatment. The dentist performing the treatment counts as one, while the other is an independent observer with the necessary training.

General anesthesia and deep sedation are typically reserved for severe oral problems that require surgery. Sedatives used for more standard dental procedures like teeth cleaning include:

1. Nitrous oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is one of the least invasive and mildest sedatives used in dentistry. It will not put a child to sleep, but it will help them get past anxiety and keep them in positive spirits during the treatment. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting gas that takes effect within minutes and its effects wear off just as quick. The gas is delivered through a face mask.

2. Mild oral sedation

This involves using medication to keep the child awake and calm during the treatment. That way, they can comply with instructions the dentist gives them. The child might not remember parts of the treatments afterward.

3. Moderate sedation

These types of medication make children sleepy, but they usually remain awake during the treatment. Moderate sedation is more likely to be used on older children and teenagers. The child can breathe fine on their own while under the effects of these drugs, and they are easily awakened once the procedure is over. Most patients who are put under moderate sedation do not remember any part of the treatment.

4. Deep sedation

This consists of delivering sedatives intravenously. It renders the child unconscious, but they may be able to breathe on their own. It requires the presence of an independent observer who can monitor the child's vitals during the treatment.

5. General anesthesia

This renders the child unconscious and unable to feel pain. The child will be monitored by anesthesia professionals while the dentist performs the treatments. It is reserved for treatments that require surgery or an abnormal amount of work.

Dental sedation is safe for children

Dental sedation helps children who get anxious at the dentist's to feel comfortable and relaxed during treatments. Over time, it helps them get past their fears. Stop by our Chicago clinic to learn more about dental sedatives for children.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.