Sedation Dentistry for Children
When a child is afraid of visiting the dentist, bringing them in even for regular check-ups can feel no less than a daunting task. Most young children aren’t too cooperative at the dentist’s clinic, which can cause hindrance for the doctor in performing procedures. But dental care is very important for maintaining a child’s overall health. Paediatric dentists have taken steps to eliminate this fear and dental anxiety.
Sedation dentistry utilises mild sedatives or calming drugs (like local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia) to manage special needs and anxiety while the child receives dental care. It is not only used for its calming effects but also sedation can be used when several dental procedures need to be done at the same time, when it is a matter of the child’s safety, or if your child has a strong “gag” reflex. During a sedation dentistry procedure, the sedation will put the child in deep relaxation, in some cases even to sleep, so they won’t feel any pain during the procedures.
Zee Dent Clinic Uses Four Types Of Child Sedation:
- Minimal sedation
- Moderate sedation
- Deep sedation
- General Anesthesia
Types of sedation used:
Nitrous Oxide:
An inhaled sedative, also known as laughing gas is the most common type of sedation used in dentistry for children, with a faint sweet smell. It is a mild sedative which is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that will help your child remain relaxed during dental procedures. A dentist can give the sedation with the use of a “ face mask” which carries air (oxygen) mixed with Nitrous oxide and the child will be asked to breathe through his nose. The sedation kicks in within 5 minutes and the mask should be on throughout the procedure, during which the child will have a “happy” feeling. After the procedure is complete, nitrous oxide will be put off, and then to eliminate the remaining gas, the child will breathe in pure oxygen for about 5 minutes. Within no time child be back to normal and feel as if no treatment has done on him. The child is advised not to eat anything 1 hour before and after taking the sedation.
Oral Sedatives:
Oral sedatives are used if a child is really nervous. It is taken about an hour or at least 30 minutes before the procedure. The medicine can be given once the child arrives for the appointment. Depending on the strength of the dose, the sedation can produce a mild to moderate sedative effect. It is taken by mouth or through the nose, which will make the child a little drowsy but will keep him or her relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. If your child is taking oral sedatives, do not give him/her anything to eat or drink the night before the appointment.
IV Sedation:
IV sedation is administered intravenously, where a needle is inserted into the child’s vein, usually in the arm or hand, and it provides a moderate level of sedation. It is quicker than oral sedation. This allows the doctors to administer more medicine, and it is used mostly for long procedures. Home preparation is required for this type of sedation since many children are scared of needles as well!
Deep Sedation:
Deep sedation is used to make restorative dental treatments comfortable and painless for children. Both general anaesthesia and deep sedation are administered to the child via an inhaled solution, which will leave the child with no memory of the procedure as it will put them into deep relaxation and sleep. It is generally achieved through incremental doses of a specific medication, via intravenous injection, which takes 3-5 minutes to take effect.
Pre-sedation care:
- Do not give any solid food or non-clear liquids to the child after midnight, the night before the procedure. That includes milk, juices with pulp, and candy.
- Only give clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure.