Many children have difficulty receiving necessary oral healthcare due to phobia about sitting in the dental chair or health conditions that make it hard to remain still. Thankfully, sedation dentistry has helped many children receive the treatments they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Here are a few qualities to consider when considering a sedation dentist for your child.
Which Options Are Available?
There are several dental sedation methods available, and the right one for your child depends on their needs. Your dentist may offer options like:
- Nitrous oxide: Also called laughing gas, this treatment has been used to help patients safely receive dental care for almost two hundred years because it has no known long-term side effects and is eliminated from the body within minutes after the procedure ends. This treatment is often used for restorative work such as dental fillings.
- IV sedation: This treatment involves administering a sedative to the patient’s bloodstream, and it is typically recommended for kids with severe dental phobia or those receiving oral surgery. The effects will linger for about twenty-four hours after the treatment, so you’ll need to monitor your child until they feel normal again.
- General anesthesia: This treatment can be excellent for those with special needs that make it difficult for them to remain calm while receiving dental care. This method is also referred to as “sleep dentistry” since it leaves the patient temporarily unconscious. You will need to keep an eye on your child while the effects of the treatment wear off, and they should be feeling back to normal after about a full day.
Is the Dentist Skilled and Experienced?
An excellent pediatric dentist will be especially compassionate to a child’s needs and extensively trained in caring for children’s teeth. Many dental professionals who meet these qualifications enjoy memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, which is a professional organization dedicated to protecting children’s oral health. It’s also best to choose a dentist who has completed a considerable amount of continuing education coursework to help them stay abreast of the latest developments in children’s dental care.
Sedation may be the best way to help your child keep their smile healthy and strong for life. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best ways to preserve your kid’s oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Pike earned his dental degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has completed countless hours of continuing education coursework. He has also served on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry conference committee and is an active member of the American Dental Association. His office in Portland offers general, restorative, and emergency dentistry for kids as well as pediatric sedation services. To learn more about dental sedation, contact his office on the web or dial (503) 297-1711.