Types of Sedation Techniques for Children
Children can often feel stressed and anxious when visiting their NW Calgary dentist. They may not understand why they have to visit the dentist, which may make it difficult to perform a procedure or treatment. Parents may understand this anxiety their children are feeling and may be wondering if there is any way to help them relax.
At SunnySide Dental, our priority is to ensure our patients are comfortable during their visits. We don’t want children to be afraid of the dentist, but instead, understand the reason for their visit and how important it is. Our goal is to make the dental office a comfortable environment for everyone and help educate patients who may be anxious about their visit and why they have nothing to worry about!
We understand anxiety may be present even after learning about the different treatments. This is why our dental clinic offers sedation dentistry in NW Calgary to help minimize any dental anxiety. By helping patients understand their options and how sedation dentistry can help, we hope to improve their overall experience.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry consists of methods to help a patient relax during their procedure. Many adult patients may be familiar with sedation techniques used during dental treatments. The types of sedation and its levels will be explained in more detail to each patient during their visit, as it is very specific to the treatment, age of the patient, and how much anxiety they experience. Children, for example, may not qualify for sedation if they are too young.
Levels of Sedation for Children
Mild: This level of sedation will have a calming effect on older kids, which will help them stay relaxed and focused during a procedure. With this level of sedation, they will remain awake but may not remember much about their dental treatment.
Moderate: A higher level of sedation medications may cause some disorientation and make the children feel sleepy. This level is ideal for a higher level of relaxation and a longer dental procedure.
Deep: The effects of medication at this level of sedation will cause children to fall asleep. To achieve this level of sedation, the medication will typically be administered in the vein. An anesthesiologist will carefully administer the medicine before a procedure and monitor the patient’s status until it is over.
Methods of Sedation
Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this form of sedation is commonly used on children who are afraid during a procedure and may also be fearful when receiving sedation. They will obtain the gas orally, and it will start working quickly after.
Conscious Sedation: Some medications can be used for this type of sedation to help relax a child during their treatment. They will be given to them and allow them to stay fully awake but relaxed and able to cooperate.
General Anesthesia: This sedation can be administered through vapour or inhalation. With this form of sedation, children will be fully asleep. Anesthesia can also be administered through the child’s vein by an anesthesiologist who will monitor the child during the procedure and ensure they do not wake up.
Sedation Dentistry
If you or your children suffer from dental anxiety, it is important to know which dental clinics offer sedation dentistry. Having options to help you relax during treatment will improve your and your child’s experience at the dentist . If you have any questions, contact our friendly staff at SunnySide Dental! We will be happy to assist you.
