Sedation Options at the Kids Dentist in Chandler
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
By Dr. Randy Weinshel
Ideally, your child will never need sedation at the kids dentist in Chandler. All parents would love it if their child would simply sit through every appointment and would never require sedation to get through it. This is not reality, however, as some children get stressed when they visit the dentist and must be sedated. In other situations, children have to go through with a more serious procedure, which could also require sedation. Luckily, many pediatric dentist have the ability to offer a few different sedation options, assisting your child in the process.
Local Anesthetic
In most cases, the kids dentist in Chandler will simply apply a local anesthetic to the child’s gums. This numbs the area, so that the child can’t feel anything. Nitrous oxide is sometimes used in conjunction with the local anesthetic, as it helps to keep the child calm. Your dentist will go over your options with you before the appointment so that you can make a final decision.
Oral Medication
When conducting more involved procedures, your dentist might recommend that the child takes an oral medication, in addition to nitrous oxide. In these situations, the child must meet a number of medical criteria to ensure that this medication is safe for him. This medication puts the child into a light sleep during the appointment, allowing the dentist to complete the procedure without any interruption.
Other Sedation
Children who won’t cooperate at all during the appointment might need an IV sedation. This technique puts the child to sleep throughout the procedure. IV sedation must be performed by a licensed dental anesthesiologist. For more serious dental procedures, there is a chance that your child will need general anesthesia. This is usually performed in a hospital setting to ensure the child’s safety.
Where to Go
If you feel as though your child will need sedation during an appointment, make sure that you visit an experienced pediatric dentist to achieve the best results. Call Kids First Pediatric Dentistry at (480) 802-2200 to go over your sedation options and make an appointment today.