How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Children with Fear and Anxiety?

Being afraid of the dentist is a very common phobia, and it stands in the way of people getting proper dental care. Many dental procedures today are not difficult, but it takes a single fearful experience to create a nervous reaction. Fear of the dentist mostly starts after a painful or scary visit when someone was younger, and it follows them until adulthood. One great way to avoid a stressful dental visit with your child is with sedation dentistry. Using various sedation techniques and levels based on the degree of anxiety, a child can get the care and treatment they need without meltdowns.

Signs a Child Needs Sedation

Not every child is fearful of going to the dentist. If they are comfortable enough to handle the visit, then there is no need to introduce a sedative. But if they exhibit some signs, you might want to consider the options. If the child has had one bad experience at a dental visit and frequently talks about it, bring up the subject of sedation. Children who express other anxiety issues are good candidates as well. Younger children with problems with understanding their surroundings or sitting still can benefit from light sedation to keep them in the chair calm.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Even with early visits with the pediatric dentist, there are still some children who develop anxiety about going to the dentist. This can bring a host of problems, like the struggle and stress involved with taking a kid to an appointment. Anxiety can also affect the quality of care the dentist can give. A child who is restless, crying, and constantly moving will make it hard for the dentist to finish the procedure completely and safely. Using sedation calms the child to allow for a peaceful environment for the dentist to work. At the same time, it leaves the child without the memory of a painful and frantic experience. Here are the four types of dental sedation.

Inhaled sedation. This is the lightest form of sedative where the child inhales nitrous oxide solution mixed with oxygen, otherwise called laughing gas. The child is conscious and aware but is in a very relaxed state.
Oral sedation. This kind of sedation is administered through a pill that is taken an hour before the procedure. Depending on the dosage, it can give mild to moderate drowsiness.
IV sedation. A moderate sedative, this is given through an IV and works quickly. The child will have a partial or no memory of the treatment.
Deep sedation. The deepest kind of sedative is considered general anesthesia, this will put the child to sleep. This sedative is administered by inhaling a solution and the child will have no memory of the procedure.

Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry

Inhaled sedation has some lingering effects as the gas immediately dissipates following the procedure. Pure oxygen is pumped in for a few minutes until all the effects are gone. With stronger sedatives, the most common feeling is drowsiness. The child will only need a little time to rest until it completely wears off. There are some who experience dry mouth or a slight headache—both effects are rare and do not last long. A pediatric dentist can go over any concerns on all these sedation options.

Children are not just the ones who experience fear and stress at the mere thought of visiting the dentist. But most adults with this kind of anxiety can trace it back to a traumatic visit back when they were younger. With sedation dentistry, a child can get proper dental care at a young age, which prepares them for a lifetime of healthy teeth and a good attitude towards dentists.

About Castle Hills Dentistry:

Castle Hills Dentistry offers high-quality dental services in The Colony, measuring their success by getting 100% satisfaction among their clients. They bring affordable dental care for the whole family. Castle Hills Dentistry offers value, care, consistency, trust, and unmatched passion.