As a parent, ensuring your child’s dental health is a top priority. However, when faced with the prospect of dental procedures, or even simple checkups and cleanings, some children aren’t exactly enthusiastic. This is where sedation dentistry comes in handy; it allows patients to receive virtually any sort of care without any of the stress, nerves or discomfort that can be associated with certain treatments. But it’s natural to wonder if these solutions are totally safe for children. Here’s a little more information about sedation dentistry and how it’s safely used to help children receive dental care.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe for children and adult patients. Your child’s dentist will always prioritize the well-being of your little one; the goal is to provide the safest, painless and most anxiety-free experience possible. Plus, some dental procedures simply require your child to lie completely still or for a long period of time, or there might be other circumstances that warrant it. In any case, these solutions exist to prevent complications—not cause them!
In 2019, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), updated the guidelines for dentists when providing sedation to children. There will always be at least two trained practitioners in the room at all times, including the dentist, and they’re to use only up-to-date equipment and techniques. This means that no corners are cut when it comes to caring for your child, and they’re receiving the same level of care an older patient would.
What Are My Child’s Sedation Options?
There are numerous sedation options that are both safe and remarkably well-suited for children, including options like:
- Nitrous Oxide – This is a mild sedative, and it’s considered the least invasive of all options. It’s commonly called “laughing gas” and is inhaled with a mixture of oxygen through a soft nasal mask. Children won’t fall asleep while under its effects, but will instead feel euphoric and relaxed. The effects wear off after a few minutes following treatment and patients can resume their day without any issues.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – If nitrous oxide isn’t suitable, oral conscious sedation is often the next option. It’s taken via a pill prescribed before the appointment, and it instills mild, relaxing effects; however, it does not make your child fall asleep and they’ll still be responsive to commands.As with nitrous, your child will be closely monitored and won’t endure any long-lasting side effects following their visit.
The bottom line is that sedation dentistry is a perfectly safe avenue for patients of all ages, including children—and given the amount of consideration and care that pediatric dentists take, you can rest assured that your child will be able to safely and happily receive the care they need.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served families in the Clinton, MA community for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. We offer a wide range of preventive dental and orthodontic services, as well as sedation options that are perfectly safe for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for your child, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today! Telephone: (978) 612-6222.