Call +1 (800) 895-1570

1535 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
sedation

A Beginner’s Guide to Sedation in Dentistry for Children

Sedation in dentistry has been utilized for years because of the host of functional benefits it offers. However, parents often wonder whether sedating is safe or necessary. Pediatrics suggest that sedation is a key method for offering great dental health care experiences to children. Different levels of sedation are offered by pediatric dentists in Coral Gables and Doral. Some of these levels include IV Sedation, Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide sedation, and Oral Sedation. Here is a short guide to know more about different sedation techniques for children.

Oral Sedation 

Children often feel anxious while visiting dentists. This may be because children might not feel comfortable being around adults in such a personal matter as their oral health. Moreover, this could also be because of a previous bad dental experience. Oral sedation is for children who do not feel comfortable facing relatively complex sedation techniques like the nitrous oxide and laughing gas methods. Medicine is provided directly to the mouth of your child and takes almost 20 minutes to work. Thus, this will allow them to remain calm and relaxed during the treatment. The treatment often leaves children drowsy, but it is effective and has no side effects. It is often recommended by children’s dentists in Coral Gables and Doral that before an oral sedation technique, the child must not eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of the treatment.  

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

This treatment is often referred to as the laughing gas method. It is so-called because children often feel goofy and funny after being given it. The gas is provided to children through a mask wherein they are made to breathe in nitrous oxide and oxygen necessary for the treatment. The treatment does not make a child drowsy but instead would make them relaxed throughout the dental procedure. After the treatment, the supply of nitrous oxide is cut off, and the child is only supplied with oxygen for a while. This will, in turn, clear out the essence of nitrous oxide from the child’s system. There are no side effects for this procedure, but your child may feel slight nausea or dizziness.   

IV Sedation

This sedation technique is relatively new and is not practiced by many Children dentist in Coral Gables and Paediatric Dentist in Doral. This method is ideal for children who face severe fear, anxiety, or mental illness during their dental treatment. The sedation technique is carried out by inserting a needle into the arm and then pumping it into their body. The medicine shows quick effects and rapidly mixes with the bloodstream. The technique has been effective on most children, allowing them to remain calm and relaxed throughout the treatment. A pediatric dentist follows all of the necessary guidelines while injecting the child so that the treatment is carried out effectively.

Petit Smiles has been offering exceptional dental services to children and people of different age groups. Book an appointment today and get one step closer to a bright smile.