Why Dental Sedation Might Be Right for Your Anxious Kid

If your child is terrified of visiting the dentist, it’s important to find a solution that works for your family. Your toddler needs to see a dentist on occasion to ensure their teeth and gums are developing the way they should be and no issues are apparent. However, if you can’t get your child to cooperate at your family dentist, a pediatric sedation dentist might be just what you need.

Goals of Dental Sedation

Before you take to the internet looking for a “kids dental office near me,” you need to understand what dental sedation is all about and how to know you’ve chosen a dentist who will fit your toddler’s needs. Here are some of the things you can expect from an excellent pediatric sedation dentist.

• - Keeping your child safe throughout dental exams and procedures
• - Controlling anxiety and minimizing trauma with the best chance of post-dentist amnesia
• - Lessening any pain or discomfort associated with the dentist office
• - Controlling movements and behavior while the procedure is safely completed
• - Returning the child to a state where safe discharge with no further professional supervision is needed

Levels of Sedation

There are four different types of dental sedation for kids. The first is mild sedation, which puts the child in a state where they can respond normally to verbal commands but may have impaired coordination and cognitive function. This is often the best choice for children.

The other types of sedation include moderate, deep, and general anesthesia. Each involves progressively stronger drugs and requires more care during and after the procedure that is taking place. The medications, depending on sedation level, may be oral, intranasal, intramuscular, or intravenous.

Deciding if Sedation is Right

In the end, as a parent, you are the one who determines the final treatment offered for your child. However, you can expect that your pediatric sedation dentist will offer guidance and education to help you make the right decision. An experienced dentist will explain the risks to your toddler and explain what practices are in place to avoid bad reactions.

Choosing the Right Pediatric Sedation Dentist

When you look for a dentist for your child, be sure they are experienced in dental sedation for young children. You want a pediatric dentist office staff who are pleasant and friendly in order to avoid additional anxiety for your kid. Be sure to ask questions and listen to your gut when making this important decision. Your child will be happy that you did.