Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a common tool that dentists use to help patients have safe, comfortable dental procedures. For a patient who has extreme dental anxiety or for a patient who is about to undergo a procedure where they might be uncomfortable, sedation dentistry makes it possible to sit in the dental chair for extended periods.
Children sometimes need sedation dentistry because not all kids are able to sit in the dental chair in all situations comfortably. The use of sedation dentistry makes it easier to handle a visit to the dentist, and in some cases, that can mean the difference between getting important dental care – or not.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses sedation during dental procedures to ensure that the patient is comfortable and calm. Sedation dentistry can be used during procedures that are especially long, or sedation dentistry can be used for patients who have other reasons why they can’t sit still or are scared to be with the dentist.
What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?
There are three main types of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that helps the patient relax during the dental procedure. A mask is placed over the child to help them breathe a combination of air and medication. The sedation only stays in your child’s system while they’re breathing, and when the procedure is over, they’ll be back to normal within minutes.
Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives help the patient stay relaxed and drowsy during the procedure. The medicine takes about 20 minutes to work. Patients who take oral sedatives are instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the appointment.
IV Sedation
This type of sedation is given to your child via a needle that is inserted into your child’s vein. This type of sedation is usually used during longer procedures to help keep the patient relaxed throughout.
How Is Sedation Dentistry Used in Pediatrics?
Sedation dentistry is used in pediatrics to help patients stay comfortable during procedures. Some children need to have dental procedures that require them to stay still when staying still isn’t realistic for them.
This may be because of anxiety, or because they have special needs, or because they’re just too young to understand that they need to stay still. Some patients even have a strong gag reflex that prevents them from handling dental appointments. Sedation dentistry helps these patients get through dental procedures.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry has many benefits.
- Patients can undergo longer dental procedures they may not otherwise be able to undergo.
- Patients stay comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures.
- Dental discomfort does not impact patients in the same way.
Need Sedation Dentistry for Your Child? Contact Us
When you’re taking your child for a dentistry procedure that utilizes sedation dentistry, it’s important to take your child to a dentist who has used sedation dentistry in the past and has much experience with sedation. At Pediatrics On Park in South Plainfield, NJ, we’ve used sedation dentistry to help patients of many ages and with various conditions to have a safe and comfortable visit to the dentist. We’re happy to help your child, too.
Contact your pediatric dentist in South Plainfield, NJ, to learn more about how sedation dentistry can help your child. Need an appointment? Call Pediatrics On Park to get your child’s dental appointment on our calendar.
