Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for children with dental phobia, children with special needs or for children who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral conscious sedation and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a child, to general anesthetics used to put them to sleep. Children with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions.
"Laughing Gas"
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious children relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, the child is still conscious and can talk to the pediatric dentist during the appointment. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for up to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some children may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your pediatric dentist will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a method utilized to guide a child’s behavior during a dental procedure. Medications are administered to decrease any anxiety or discomfort and help the child remain cooperative. Generally, most medications promote relaxation and drowsiness. Sedation may be necessary for children undergoing extensive treatment, those whose anxiety level hinders them from coping well during a procedure and patients who are very young and cannot understand how to behave in a cooperative fashion. In addition, sedation may be beneficial for special needs patients. It helps the child cope better during the procedure and prevents injury that can occur due to undesirable or uncontrolled movements. Overall, sedation creates a better treatment environment.
IV Sedation
This procedure is performed at our office in conjunction with a pediatric anesthesiologist. A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has received specialty training in anesthesiology and additional training in anesthesia for infants and children. Local anesthesia is used in the majority of dental treatment for children, but children who are very young, afraid or uncooperative may need some deep sedation for successful completion of their dental treatment. Please visit www.pediatricsedation.com for more details.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia may be necessary for children undergoing extensive dental procedures, who are very uncooperative, afraid or anxious, or for very young patients who cannot understand how to behave in a cooperative fashion. This method can also be beneficial for children undergoing extensive surgical treatment or for those with special health care needs. General anesthesia promotes a controlled state of unconsciousness, which eliminates discomfort, movement and awareness. Only a specially trained physician can administer various medications to provide general anesthesia. Please visit www.manateesurgicalcenter.com for information on the facility where our surgeries are performed.