Is Dental Sedation Right for Your Child?

If your child is about to undergo a more involved dental procedure, or if you have a child with special needs, you might wonder if sedation dentistry is the right choice.

While modern dentistry is relatively pain-free, some procedures (routine or otherwise) can make kids uneasy. Your child may not know what to expect when they encounter the sights, sounds, smells, and overall feel of a dental office. Dental sedation can help your child stay calm and comfortable, helping them receive the care they need for long-term oral health.

Types of Dental Sedation for Children

The type of sedation your pediatric dentist recommends depends on the procedure and your child’s individual needs. Dr. Mitzi Hines can safely administer a variety of sedation options for your little one, including:  

Nitrous oxide

Pediatric dentists often recommend nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, for their pediatric patients. Within just a few minutes of inhaling nitrous oxide from a mask, your child will begin to feel relaxed and comfortable, but will remain alert throughout the procedure. Once the dentist is done with the procedure, they will turn off the nitrous oxide and the effects will fade almost immediately, especially with the help of a little oxygen. There is no recovery time with nitrous oxide.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation comes in the form of a liquid or pill that your child swallows. It will make your child quite sleepy through the procedure and for quite a while afterward. Your child won’t be fully asleep during the procedure, but in a very drowsy, relaxed state. Typically children are still able to answer questions during the procedure while under oral sedation.  

IV sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of moderate sedation reserved for larger, more complicated treatments.  

The dental team will monitor your child throughout the process, and can adjust the dosage or reverse the effects on-demand. Children usually fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure.

Which type of dental sedation is right for my child?

The type of procedure your child will undergo will shape your dentist’s recommendations for dental sedation.  

Dental sedation might be right for your child if they:

• Have pediatric dental anxiety that makes them scared or anxious about going to the dentist or having a procedure

• Have a short attention span

• Have trouble sitting still or following instructions

• Are anxious about local anesthesia, which involves a needle in their gums

• Have a strong gag reflex, which makes many procedures more difficult for the dentist and uncomfortable for the patient

• Have special physical or behavioral health care needs

• Will be undergoing an especially long or complex dental procedure

Dental Sedation is Safe

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide as safe and effective for reducing anxiety, easing pain, and improving communication between patients and their dentists.  

For more information on dental sedation, or to speak to a dentist to find out if dental sedation is right for your child, connect with Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Our comfort dentist serving New Albany and the surrounding Columbus area offers several types of sedation dentistry to help keep your child calm and comfortable.

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