Are you planning to take your child to the dentist but you have concerns that sedation may be necessary during the procedure? Parents often wonder if sedation dentistry is safe, and Kinder Smiles in Bergen County completely understand. It’s normal for parents to have concerns when it comes to their children. The best way to alleviate those concerns is for parents to learn more about sedation dentistry.

Once parents understand sedation dentistry, they will know that there are several types of sedation techniques and that all of them are safe for children.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the process of using anesthesia or medication to help a child relax or fall asleep during a procedure, especially if the child has a fear of the dentist or behavioral problems that make it difficult for them to sit still. There are three types of sedation that Dr. Darryl Engel will consider using if necessary.

• Nitrous Oxide or Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common forms of sedation that dentists use today. It is easy to use and wears off quickly. The reason it is known as laughing gas is that nitrous oxide tends to cause patients to be giggly. We begin by placing a mask over your child’s mouth and nose and asking them to breathe deeply. The effects of the gas are quickly felt as your child will feel floaty with a numbing feeling in parts of their body.

A Kinder Smiles, we use nitrous oxide for many different procedures from simple cavity fillings to root canals. Patients do not fall asleep, but rather remain awake and aware throughout the procedure.

• Oral Sedation

For procedures that can cause more pain, oral sedation is an option for patients. Dr. Engel will prescribe medication to the patient. Your child should avoid consumption of food for at least six hours prior to sedation, which is why a morning appointment would be best.

The medication will cause your child to become drowsy and if they do fall asleep, we will wake them up from time to time to ask them to tilt their head or open their mouth wider. If your child is of driving age, it is crucial that you drive them home and don’t allow them to drive until they fully recover.

• IV Sedation

For procedures such as oral surgery and tooth extraction, IV sedation causes patients to completely fall asleep so they won’t feel any pain and will not be aware of the procedure at all. We insert an IV line into the crook of your child’s arm and a steady flow of medication begins. Throughout the procedure, our staff will continuously monitor your child’s vital signs and breathing. Once again, your child should avoid food and drinks prior to the procedure, which means a morning appointment is best.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For My Child?

All three types of dental sedation are safe for children, however, there are side effects to be aware of.

Nitrous oxide is by far the safest and most common method as the patient remains awake during the procedure. Side effects often include nausea, sweating, fatigue, and shivering. These side effects will go away fairly soon after the procedure.

Oral sedation also comes with minimal side effects, including headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and fogginess. These side effects are temporary and should dissipate after a few hours. It’s also a very safe sedation option.

IV sedation does carry the most risk of the three types but is safe as long as the sedation is administered by a certified anesthesiologist. The side effects often include headaches, drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea.

Dr. Darryl Engel has sedation certification allowing for in-office oral sedation options.

Is Sedation Painful And How Long Does It Last?

Sedation dentistry is not painful. The most your child may feel is discomfort during the insertion of the IV line, which is basically a needle prick. As far as length of sedation, it can last anywhere from a few to several hours depending on what kind of procedure your child needs.

Our goal at Kinder Smiles is to provide our patients with the best care possible. We do not want them to undergo sedation any longer than is necessary to complete the procedure and we will continuously monitor your child to make sure they are responding normally to sedation.

What Parents Can Do

Parents have a major role to play in sedation dentistry. Dr. Engel will not use any sedation method unless you give him permission to do so. He will explain why your child needs sedation, explain the sedation options available, and recommend the best sedation option for the procedure.

Once you have chosen an option and have given permission, your role does not end. It’s important for you to be in the room with your child as they may be scared or nervous. They may not truly understand what is happening. You can help by talking to your child about the sedation procedure. If nitrous oxide, play with the mask with your child to make them feel more comfortable with it covering their mouth. You can also hold their hand and offer words of encouragement while the nitrous oxide works.

Prior to sedation, parents should make sure their child doesn’t consume food or drinks. Make sure your child wears a shirt that they don’t have a problem drooling on during the procedure. It may be a good idea to bring an extra shirt just in case. And because some children may have an accident during the procedure, you should bring a complete change of clothes as well.

We want your child to have a positive experience. We certainly do not want them to feel embarrassment and we know you don’t either.

Conclusion

Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe for children. There are minor side effects, but they should disappear as your child recovers over the remainder of the day. Parents can help alleviate fear or nerves that their child may have prior to the procedure by properly preparing and being in the room with them.

For more information, contact Dr. Engel for more guidelines. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Engel. He and his team will work to get your little one all smiley and happy as they can be during this time.