Adults aren’t the only ones who get uneasy when thinking of dental work, even if that dental work is just a simple cleaning, children do too. So, the latest in dental technology and care allows for the sedation of not only adults, but children too. However, because children are smaller and their bodies aren’t always able to handle the same sedation techniques and methods as adults, there are special sedation methods and techniques that cater to this very special and sensitive population.
What is Sedation?
Maybe it’s your child’s first dental visit and you’re worried about their reaction to the sounds and sensations associated with dental care. Perhaps you’ve already taken your child to the dentist once and they were ridden with anxiety or were so restless that getting any actual dental work done was a lengthy and trying process. No matter what the reason is you’re considering sedation, it is important to understand what sedation is before reviewing and deciding on a sedation technique.
Some parents are worried about undertaking a sedation technique because they’re afraid of using something harsh or having their child put under anesthesia. However, the reality is that sedation does not work in the same way that sedation does. Instead, sedation works to put the child into a relaxed and sometimes drowsy state so that they feel a great deal more comfortable with cleanings and other dental work. This means that your child feels less discomfort, and cooperates for the dental procedures much better than they did/do without sedation.
Sedation Techniques for Children
As follows are the options for the sedation of children.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a form of sedation that is often given to children who need a lot of dental work done, who are very anxious, or who have special needs. This form of sedation relaxes the child, but still allows the child to maintain their natural reflexes, as well as allows them to respond naturally to questions from the dentist. Conscious sedation can be given in one of four different ways, and which method is chosen depends on the preferences of the parents, child, and dentist, and what methods are available. Conscious sedation methods include: intravenously, injection, inhaling a gas, or swallowing a medicine (pill or liquid form).
Oral Sedation
If a child is exceptionally anxious, perhaps more so than is commonly experienced in a child, oral sedation may be recommended. Oral sedation is stronger than conscious sedation, and often makes the child drowsy, sometimes the child may even fall asleep. However, unlike anesthesia, the child can be aroused, and they can respond to questions and commands. Oral sedation is given as a medication in the form of a pill or liquid.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often simply referred to as “nitrous” is the most common sedation method. Nitrous is a more middle of the road type of sedation. Those with mild anxiety or nervousness are perfect candidates for nitrous treatments. Nitrous is administered as a gas that is mixed with oxygen and given through a nose mask during dental treatment. Many people like nitrous because as soon as the mask is removed, one’s conscious state returns.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/sedation-techniques-for-children/
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Children are a lot more sensitive that adults, they can easily feel pain so they have to feel more comfortable every time. This blog is helpful, me and my chandler dentist appreciates that you have shared this. Thanks a lot.
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