Who Is The Right Candidate For Sedation Dentistry
Although not all visits to dentists are associated with traumatic experiences, many people still have dental anxiety. Dental anxiety starts early in childhood, and when not contained, it follows you into adulthood. Therefore, it’s recommended you start taking your child to a dentist from an early age to prevent dental anxiety.
However, it would be good if you were not bothered since our dental practitioners offer sedation dentistry near you. Sunny Smiles Kids ensure that your children do not fear dentists. By taking your kids for regular dental visits from an early age of two years, you can help them beat dental anxiety.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry comprises administering different drugs to keep the patient calm, relaxed, and peaceful during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry makes you feel comfortable in the dental room, especially if you fear visiting the dentist.
In most cases, sedation is administered to children since they are most affected by dental anxiety. The dentists use sedatives or tranquilizing drugs to help the kids get relaxed. Sedation is usually administered at different levels, depending on the procedure or test.
Firstly, minimal sedation keeps a child in relaxation mode yet awake and capable of responding to stimuli and providing feedback. Secondly, there is moderate sedation which the child drifts in and out of consciousness but can be woken by touch or sound. Lastly, deep sedation is when a child is unconscious and does not respond to stimuli.
The dentists administer various drugs that lower the patient’s degree of consciousness, thereby removing anxiety, eliminating pain, and keeping the patient calm. The dentist determines whether to administer sedation drugs by inhaling or via an injection.
Types of Sedation For The Child
- Inhalation
The dentist uses nitrous oxide for sedation, especially for mild tests, and procedures. It’s popularly known as a laughing gas and is famous for its properties to offer instant relaxation after being inhaled. It’s beneficial since its effects only last for a couple of minutes. The dentist determines the proper dosage for a child based on allergies, medical history, and radiological procedure required.
- IV Sedation
Popularly known as Intravenous (IV) sedation, it is used when a dentist needs to perform a painful, uncomfortable, and lengthy procedure. The patient falls asleep several minutes after getting the injection and remains in that state for as long as the dentist requires. The dosage may be added to increase the period of the effects.
- General Anesthesia
In some situations, children get overwhelmed by lengthy procedures, and it’s during such instances, the dentist may use general anesthesia. This sedation, however, requires an anesthesiologist to monitor and keep the patient comfortable in the course of the procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Your Child?
Unlike popular beliefs, sedation dentistry is safe for your child. Luckily, the dentist always chooses between the different types of sedation when dealing with a child to guarantee safety. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest options for children.
The dentist uses an ideal type of sedation after evaluating a child’s traits and medical history. Whichever procedure the dentist chooses, you can trust it to be safe and keep your child as comfortable as possible.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Children are the top candidates for sedation dentistry since they are most affected by dental anxiety. Even so, other individuals require sedation dentistry.
They include:
- Patients with low pain tolerance
- Patients that are bothered by dental smells and sounds
- Persons with a highly sensitive gag reflex
- Patients who require a complex or lengthy dental procedure
- Individuals with physical complications that hinder effective dental treatment
Conclusion
Sedation dentistry is not reserved for children only. If you experience dental anxiety, request the dentist for sedation. Lastly, it would be best to book an appointment with a professional dentist to ensure you get the right sedation.