Should My Child Be Sedated For Dental Work?

Why Would My Child Need to Be Sedated?

Dental sedation is recommended for children for a variety of reasons:
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• The child is too young to follow instructions such as keeping their mouth open or staying still
• The child is afraid of the dentist or highly anxious
• The child has certain disabilities which prevent them from staying in the dentist’s chair
• The child needs lengthy or complex dental procedures

As you can see, in some cases the child may need to be sedated even for routine appointments.

The role of sedation is to make sure the child remains perfectly relaxed and comfortable while the dentist restores their oral health.
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What Type of Sedation Is Appropriate for Children?

The most common type of sedative used at the dentist’s office for children and adults is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
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It’s a very mild sedative with short-term effects on the body. The dentist places a small mask over the child’s nose that delivers the laughing gas. As the child inhales, they begin to calm down, and may even become a bit giggly. Once the visit is done, the dentist will switch from nitrous oxide gas to oxygen to help clear the gas from the child’s system.
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By the time you’re ready to go home, your child will no longer be under the effects of the gas.
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There are other types of sedation available. The choice is usually made after the dentist reviews your child’s case and takes into account both their oral health needs and medical history.
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Can I Choose No Sedation?

Of course, it is possible to treat a child’s oral health without sedation. A dentist will only recommend it if it’s truly necessary for the little one, based on the child’s oral needs, and other factors relevant.
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If you’re unsure about sedation, don’t be afraid to talk to your child’s dentist about it and express your concerns. 
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Bring Your Child to Saginaw Kids Dentistry

We offer several types of sedation options to help your child remain perfectly relaxed while Dr. Elias and Dr. Christina restore their oral health. Under the right circumstances, sedation is nothing to fear, and our team is happy to present you with your options.
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To get started, book an appointment at Saginaw Kids Dentistry online, or call us at (682) 285-1900 for more information.