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Unlike general anesthesia, which makes a child lose consciousness, dental sedation is only meant to ease a child’s worries and discomfort during dental appointments. While under sedation, a child might become sleepy or less active, but these effects usually disappear shortly after the procedure is done.
When is sedation used?
Sedation is used in several situations. First, very young children often can’t stay still long enough for pediatric dentists to do detailed procedures safely. Sedation makes the visit less stressful for both the child and their parents and greatly reduces the chance of accidents. Second, some children get very anxious about going to the dentist. Sedation helps them to relax, manage their fears, and feel better about getting treatment. Third, sedation is especially helpful for children with special needs. It helps prevent sudden movements and encourages them to cooperate.
What are the most common types of sedation?
Most pediatric dental offices offer several ways to help children relax, and each has its own advantages. The dentist will look at the child’s health history, how long the procedure is expected to take, and how comfortable the child is before suggesting a sedation method.
Conscious sedation means children stay awake and can still talk, follow instructions, and work with the dentist during the whole procedure. The main types of conscious sedation are described below:
Nitrous oxide
The pediatric dentist might recommend nitrous oxide (better known as “laughing gas”) for children who seem particularly nervous or worried. Nitrous oxide is given through a mask that fits over the child’s nose. It’s always mixed with oxygen, so the child can breathe comfortably in through their nose and out through their mouth. Laughing gas helps children relax very quickly and can make them feel happy and even a bit silly. It also works fast, doesn’t hurt to get, and wears off within minutes. Before taking the mask off completely, the pediatric dentist will give the child regular oxygen for a few minutes to make sure all the nitrous oxide is out of their body. Sometimes, though rarely, nitrous oxide can cause nausea. Because of this, most pediatric dentists suggest that children don’t eat much before their appointment.
Oral sedation
Children who are uncooperative, very anxious, or have trouble controlling their muscles for a long time might be given a sedative they take by mouth. Oral sedatives come in different forms (usually tablets, pills, and liquids) and can make a child feel sleepy. If oral sedation is planned, the pediatric dentist might ask parents to do certain things to prepare the child before the appointment. Some common things include limiting food and drinks before, having the child wear comfortable clothes, and being ready to stay with the child for several hours afterward. Serious side effects from oral sedatives are rare; feeling sick to their stomach is one of the most common.
Other forms of conscious sedation
There are other ways to give sedative medications, including through a shot in the muscle (IM sedation) and even through a spray in the nose.
What about general anesthetic?
General anesthesia (which makes a child go into a deep sleep) is a dental procedure that is done in a hospital. It is used when:
- A procedure can’t be done safely while the child is awake.
- The child has a condition that makes it hard for them to cooperate or follow instructions.
- The child needs a long dental treatment.
- The child needs more complicated dental work or surgery in their mouth.
General anesthesia needs more preparation before the treatment and a longer time to recover afterward.
If you have any questions or worries about sedation methods, please feel free to talk to your pediatric dentist.
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