Does your child suffer from extreme fear of the dentist? Do they have to undergo an extensive dental treatment? Here’s everything you need to know about sedation dentistry for children & how it can keep your little one comfortable and calm during their procedure.
If your child has to undergo extensive dental work, or if he/she suffers from a fear of the dentist, you may be wondering how sedation dentistry can help. Sedation dentistry is the use of a mild sedative to make dental treatments more comfortable.
It may be recommended if your child:
- Has special needs
- Suffers from dental anxiety
- Needs several procedures at the same time
- Has a strong ‘gag’ reflex
- Has difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
Sedation dentistry doesn’t control pain or discomfort. Once your child has received the sedation, your dentist may give them an injection in the treatment area to keep them pain-free and comfortable during the procedure.
Safe and Effective Sedation Dentistry Services in Calgary
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we want our patients to always remain comfortable and anxious-free during their treatments. If you think sedation dentistry may be right for you, or your child, our dentists can assess your situation and help you make the safest choice.
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Before, During & After Sedation Dentistry: How to Prepare Your Child
If your dentist has determined that sedation dentistry is the right option for your child, there are some steps you must take to ensure your child is kept comfortable and safe before, during, and after their procedure.
Before Sedation Dentistry: Home Preparation
When sedation is needed for your child, there are important rules for eating and drinking before the procedure that must be followed. While your dentist will give you specific instructions based on your child’s age, here are some general rules:
- After midnight the night before the procedure, your child must refrain from solid food or non-clear liquids. This includes milk, formula, chewing gum, or juices with pulp.
- Up to two hours before the scheduled treatment, give them only clear liquids, such as water.
- If your child takes daily medication, you can give it to them unless your dentist has specifically advised not to.
Remember, if you are unsure of anything regarding the food and drink your child is allowed before the procedure, contact our dentist, as they can best advise you on how to keep your little one comfortable and safe.
During the Procedure
Before your child receives the sedative, their vital signs, weight, and medical history will be taken. Often, as a parent or legal guardian, you will be asked to sign a consent form before the sedation is given.
In addition:
- Your dentist may meet with you to review your child’s medical information and explain the type of sedation your child will receive.
- Sedation medication can be given by the mouth, through the nose, or directly into a vein through an IV line.
- You may stay with your child until he/she is very drowsy.
- During the procedure, your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and blood oxygen level will be monitored closely.
Following Sedation
Once the procedure is completed, you will be called to be in the room with your child as the medication wears off. The length of time this can take varies with each child.
- Children coming out of sedation can react in different ways. They may cry, be fussy or confused, or feel a little sick. These reactions are normal and will go away once the medication wears off.
- When your child is discharged, he/she may still be groggy, dizzy, or nauseous, so they should rest for the remainder of the day.
At Home Care Tips
Once your child is at home, you should try to keep them as relaxed and comfortable as possible. In addition, you should keep in mind that your child:
- Will experience some numbness in their mouth, throat, and nose for at least 1-2 hours after the treatment.
- Their gums may be sore for several days afterwards, depending on what procedure they had.
- Should be careful when eating or drinking for at least two hours after the procedure so they don’t bite their tongue or the inside of the mouth.
- Should stick to soft foods for the first few hours after their procedure.
- Should stay at home for the remainder of the day.
Want to Know More?
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our sedation dentistry services, and how we can keep you comfortable and happy during your dental treatments, visit our Calgary dental clinic at 1141-3800 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB, T2A 2K2.
Alternatively, you can contact us at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
