Is Dental Sedation Safe for Kids?

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Children sometimes suffer worry or tension when they see the dentist, and when they are aware that they need an unknown treatment, they become so afraid of the visit that they get agitated when they get there. Dental clinics provide sedation therapies to help children with their anxiety so they may undergo operations in a pleasant and compliant manner.

Types of Sedation

Pediatric dentists use many forms of sedation:

  • General anesthesia: This kind of sedation is safely administered by an anesthesiologist, allowing the dentist to concentrate on carrying out the treatment. The youngster will sleep soundly under general anesthesia, unable to interfere with the procedure or experience any discomfort. This kind of sedation involves intubation, and the youngster needs an intravenous (IV) to deliver it.
  • Deep sedation with IV: IV medications assist in a child’s sleep throughout the surgery. While the dentist is working, a skilled specialist, such as an anesthesiologist, must be present to check vital signs. Even though they will be sleeping, the youngster could still be able to move a bit or make sounds. When deep IV sedation is employed, a breathing tube is often inserted.
  • Mild to moderate sedation: Oral medicines are sometimes used by dentists to help children relax or perhaps become a little asleep. In most cases, the youngster doesn’t go to sleep and if they do, they wake up quickly. The youngster is able to move and react while under this kind of anesthesia. Usually, the dentist can provide these drugs, negating the need for an anesthesiologist to be present. When mild to moderate oral sedation is employed, breathing tubes and IVs are not needed.
  • Nitrous oxide: For the child’s protection, this gas is combined with oxygen, which has a little sleepy effect. Nitrous oxide has a calming impact on the youngster without making them nod off. When the gas is taking effect, individuals may feel dizzy or have an odd feeling that they are floating. Nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “laughing gas” due to the heightened emotions it may induce.

How Long Does It Take for Oral Sedation to Wear Off?

A few different variables will determine how long a certain form of sedation takes to wear off. Nitrous oxide usually has a quick-wearing impact that wears off in about five minutes. Oral and IV sedation can take many hours, and even when your kid returns to normalcy, these drugs will still be present in their system. 

It’s a good idea to remain with your kid or have another adult supervise them until the effects of the medicine have worn off after you’ve brought them home. The youngster needs time to heal, even with little sedation, before they feel completely well.

Aftercare for Dental Sedation

Following the return of your kid home, be sure to:

  • After the operation, help your child eat and drink for two hours. They may have numbness in their throat, nose, and mouth.
  • Make sure they take caution so they don’t bite their tongue or the inside of their cheeks by mistake.
  • After the dental treatment, give your kid soft meals and then progressively introduce tougher items that they can chew.
  • Urge your kids to fill up on water.
  • For the remainder of the day, keep your kid home from daycare or school.
  • Give your kid an ice pack to place over their jaw if you see any swelling.
  • Help your kid take any pain medicine that has been given for them to take after the surgery.

Visit Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry in Dumbo for the best children’s dentistry. Their staff members are experienced and friendly, and they take great pleasure in understanding the requirements of children. 

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