What is Dental Sedation?
Most kids do quite well during a dental treatment procedure. But, few respond differently during the procedure. So, for extensive treatment, medications and proper care is needed to help kids to be comfortable and cooperative. Children who do not respond well to a procedure are sedated in order to accomplish the treatment. There are three types of pediatric dental sedation such as nitrous oxide, conscious sedation and outpatient general anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide – It is commonly known as laughing gas which helps relax children during their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is an effective relaxation technique with out putting the children to sleep. Prior treatment records tell us about the respiratory condition of your child and also the medication that your child is undergoing.
Conscious Sedation – This technique is suggested for nervous kids who require special care. It calms your child and reduces the nervousness associated with dental treatments. Conscious sedation makes your child quite drowsy or sometimes they even fall asleep but not unconscious.
Here are some important points which should be taken care prior to conscious sedation process.
- Do not bring your kids for dental treatment with a fever or cold.
- Child should be dressed in baggy fitting.
- Ensure your child goes to the bathroom prior to arriving at the dental clinic.
After pediatric dental sedation clear observation should be maintained by parents. First meal should be a liquid drink to prevent dehydration. Children’s have the tendency to bite or chew their lips because of the anesthetic we used to numb the kids mouth during the treatment. Hence parents should also be aware of the care that is required post the treatment.
Outpatient General Anesthesia – This sedation process is rarely used because outpatient general anesthesia makes your child fall completely asleep. This sedation process is used if there is any physical injury associated with your child’s mouth. The requirements and the observations are same as conscious sedation.