Dental anxiety is real in children, which makes it difficult for parents and dentists to manage routine dental visits. One way of helping this anxiety is through oral sedation in NW Calgary that helps the child to feel relaxed during the dental procedure. But as a parent, you may wonder, “Is oral sedation safe for my child?” We will explain how it works, how safe it is and what benefits it has for your child.
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is a common method in pediatric dentistry where children swallow medication orally to remain calm during a dental treatment. Oral sedation does not put a child to sleep like general anesthesia but leaves them conscious and very relaxed. Oral sedation reduces fear, inhibits excessive movement, and enables the dentist to perform required treatments with less stress for the child and parent.
How Safe is Oral Sedation for Children?
The oral sedation safety will be based on the child’s age, the medical history of the child, and the professional dental team’s expertise in performing it. Oral sedation is safe and effective in the hands of a skilled pediatric dentist.
Precautions taken to ensure safety include:
- A review of the child’s medical history before sedation
- The age-appropriate sedation technique and dosage.
- The child’s vital signs are to be monitored continuously during the procedure.
- A well-equipped clinic in case of any emergencies.
Parents should consult and communicate with the dentist to clarify if the use of oral sedation would be beneficial for their child.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
Most children suffer from fear and anxiety when attending the dentist, making simple check-ups challenging. Oral sedation has several advantages, such as:
- Reduces Anxiety: It assists the child to have less anxiety and to develop a positive attitude towards dental visits.
- Enhances Comfort: The patient’s state of relaxation is good, which increases the child and parent’s well-being and, therefore, the overall comfort of the procedure.
- Assists in Long Procedures: Some treatments can be done in fewer visits to reduce the child’s dental trauma.
- Reduces Gag Reflex & Movement: Pain from involuntary reflexes is less likely, resulting in smoother procedures.
- Safe and Effective: Oral sedation is a relatively safe way of helping children tolerate dental procedures when done by a skilled professional.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is especially good for children who:
- Have severe dental anxiety
- Need complex or lengthy dental procedures
- Can’t stay seated for long
- Have a very strong gag reflex that interferes with treatment
Parents should bring their child’s specific needs to a pediatric dentist to discuss if sedation is the way to go.
Types of Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry
Although oral sedation is most common, other sedation techniques can be used in children. Sedation dentistry in NW Calgary provides various forms based on the child’s requirements:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A very mild sedative breathed in and out through a mask, maintaining children calm but awake.
- IV Sedation: Given intravenously for greater relaxation; ideal for lengthy or more involved treatments.
- General Anesthesia: Applied in cases of comprehensive procedures or with very nervous kids, inducing sleep-like status.
Each methods have advantages, and a dentist will suggest the most appropriate one based on the comfort of the child and the nature of the procedure.
Preparing Your Child for Sedation
To make the experience safe and smooth, parents must observe these pre-sedation rules:
- Do not feed or give fluids a few hours before the procedure, as advised by the dentist.
- Clothe your child in loose, comfortable clothes.
- Bring a favourite toy or blanket to offer reassurance.
- Let your child know that the procedure will be brief and painless.
Following the procedure, kids will feel drowsy or sleepy for several hours. Parents are advised to watch them closely and observe post-sedation care instructions given by the dentist.
Visit Foothills Dental Group for Your Child’s Dental Care
We are aware that visiting the dentist is often an intimidating experience for children. At Foothills Dental Group, our dentist in NW Calgary offers sedation dentistry to make your visit as comfortable as possible. At our dental office, we pride ourselves on offering safe and effective sedation dentistry to help you have a positive dental experience.
If you are looking for a kind and professional dentist, please contact us and let our team know what sedation dentistry options will suit your child best. We are here to make sure your child can have a healthy and happy smile through non-threatening dental treatments.