Does your child need to undergo an extensive dental treatment? Are you worried about how sedation dentistry will impact your child? Here are five tips to prepare you and your child for their upcoming sedation dentistry appointment.
No matter what age somebody is, there is always a chance that they will need to undergo some form of dental treatment that requires sedation. Sedation dentistry may be recommended if your child:
- Suffers from dental anxiety
- Has a prominent gag reflex
- Will be undergoing a lengthy procedure
- Requires oral surgery
- Has trouble sitting still at the dentist
If you are feeling concerned about your child’s dental appointment, don’t worry, it is completely normal. To minimize your concern and feel more comfortable, you can prepare yourselves by reading this article and following the tips below.
Our NE Clinic Specializes in Children’s Sedation Dentistry Services
If your child needs specialized sedative dental care, then you don’t want to leave anything up to chance. At Marlborough Dental Centre, we have the top children’s dentists and dental hygienists in Calgary who are specially trained in sedative dental care.
Want to learn more about how we provide the best children’s dental care in Calgary?
5 Tips to Prepare Your Child For Oral Sedation Dentistry
1. Help your child fast by fasting with them
For most sedation dentistry appointments, your child will need to fast the night before and the day of the procedure. This is to ensure that the oral anesthetic can be administered and take effect properly. Just as you don’t like fasting, your child likely won’t either. One of the best ways to comfort your child before their appointment is by fasting with them. This will make them less likely to complain and feel more comfortable knowing that somebody they trust is with them every step of the way.
2. Make them as comfortable as possible
If your child is undergoing oral sedation dentistry, it is likely because they require a more serious dental procedure. This may frighten both you and your child. To help your child be as comfortable as possible, we have some recommendations that you can follow:
- Let them wear what they want (pyjamas are common)
- Let them bring an item they find comfort in, such as a stuffed animal or favourite blanket
- Provide words of affirmation to boost their confidence
- Bring your spouse so that while you drive home, they can sit in the back with your child
- Cancel all plans for the day, including school (this will likely excite them)
Follow these tips so that your child can feel better before, during, and after their appointment.
WHAT IS AN ORAL SEDATION DENTISTRY APPOINTMENT LIKE?
3. Comfort your child as they come out of sedation
As your son or daughter begins to come out of their sedated state, they may react in a variety of ways. They may be scared, confused, cry, feel sick, or goofy. All of these reactions are entirely normal and will go away once the anesthetic wears off.
Before being discharged, we will monitor your child to ensure that they will be set up for a healthy recovery and are not facing any rare, unfortunate side effects.
KEEP YOUR CHILD COMFORTABLE AT THE DENTIST'S OFFICE WITH THESE 6 TIPS
4. Be open and honest
Many kids strongly dislike being treated like children. Through our personal experience and research-based studies, we have found that when children are well-informed on their procedure, why they are doing it, and how they will feel afterward, they are more likely to feel at ease. Although it may be tempting to try and protect your child by avoiding discussing the intimate details of the operation, this is not an effective strategy. What is more effective is openly discussing the aspects of the operation and the benefits of why it needs to be done.
5. Lead by example
Young kids model their behaviour after their parents. From the moment they are born, they instantly look up to you and mimic your habits and actions. If you lead by example and act calm and confident, your child will be more likely to behave similarly. If you act nervous and fearful of your child’s dental procedure, they will likely pick up on it and begin to feel the same way. So no matter how scared you are on the inside, acting with confidence will certainly rub off on your children and make them more comfortable.
Is Your Child In Need of Sedation Dentistry? Contact Us Today!
At Marlborough Dental Centre, our team of dental professionals is highly qualified in providing child’s sedation dentistry services. To learn more about how we provide exceptional dental care for you, your child, and the whole family, call us at 403-248-2066 or by filling out our online contact form below.
FAQ’s
Q: Is it safe for my child to undergo sedation dentistry?
Absolutely. Sedation dentistry provides no greater risks for children than for adults. Sedation dental services have been safely administered for teens, children, infants, and newborns alike.
Q: How will my child or I be sedated at Marlborough Dental Services?
There are many forms of sedation used in dentistry. The three most common methods are via nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, and oral sedation. At our NE Calgary Dental Clinic, we use oral sedation techniques.
Q: Can I use sedation dentistry for my regular dental checkup?
Sedation dentistry is not just for surgeries and dental procedures, it can also be used for your regular 6-month checkup. If you are overly nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist, then you may be suffering from a condition called dental anxiety. Oral sedation dentistry is one of the best treatment methods available for you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental appointment.
