Dental Sedation For Your Child: What To Expect

Sedation dentistry can be very useful when treating children with dental anxiety, kids with special needs, or any child who is nervous about an upcoming treatment like a dental filling or a pediatric dental crown.

Wondering what to expect if you choose to have your child sedated at Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry? Let’s go over the basics, and discuss how the process works at our office.

Initial Sedation Consultation Before Your Child’s Appointment

Before your child is sedated, you will meet with Dr. Wendy to discuss their health. Depending on the situation, this may be done before their consultation or at a separate time. This is an important step, because it ensures your child can be sedated safely.

At this consultation, Dr. Wendy will discuss your child’s health, past health issues, medications and supplements they’re taking, allergies, and other such information. She will take all of this information into account to determine if they’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry. 

Then, your child will be good to go! They can be sedated safely at their next appointment. This process differs quite a bit depending on their sedation method. So next, let’s discuss the sedation process for both laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation. ‍

What To Expect From Laughing Gas Sedation

We recommend laughing gas for most kids with minor to moderate anxiety. This is because it’s affordable, effective, and doesn’t leave them feeling too groggy or tired after their treatment.

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare your child for sedation with laughing gas, though heavy meals should be avoided for 2 hours before their appointment to reduce the risk of nausea. 

At your child’s appointment, Dr. Wendy will put a comfortable mask over their nose and ask them to breathe through their nose. A mixture of oxygen and laughing gas will be sent through this mask, and it will take effect immediately, relaxing your child.

Then, their appointment will proceed. Once it’s done, the mask will be removed. The effects of the gas will wear off within about 5 minutes. Your child may be a little confused or nauseated, but they’ll be back to normal in no time.

What To Expect From IV Sedation 

IV sedation is a lot different than laughing gas sedation. To prepare for treatment, your child must not eat for 8 hours before their appointment. They can drink clear liquids until 2 hours before their appointment. 

Once they arrive at our office and they are comfortable in the dentist’s chair, they will have an IV placed into their arm. This will administer a powerful anti-anxiety sedative directly into their bloodstream. Your child will likely fall asleep quickly, and won’t remember their appointment.

Then, once the appointment is done, the needle is removed. Your child may experience side effects for up to 4-6 hours or longer. They will feel tired, confused, and dizzy, and may be nauseated. You will need to take them home, watch them, and take care of your child until these side effects wear off, so plan accordingly. 

Pediatric Sedation At Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

We hope this guide has helped you learn a bit more about pediatric sedation dentistry in San Diego from Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Ready to get started with Dr. Wendy and our dental team? Contact us online or give us a call at 858-888-9298 to schedule an appointment for your little one right away.