As a parent, I understand how difficult it can be to take your child to the dentist for a procedure. You don’t want your child to be in pain, scared, or be overwhelmed by the lights, sounds, or tools. That’s why IV sedation is a game changer, but many parents are concerned about the safety of IV sedation.  And why not, lately there have been several questions raised bout the safety of anesthesia during pediatric dentistry.

The fact is, when the sedation is administered by an experienced and qualified nurse anesthetist, it has been proven safe and effective. If a child experiences severe anxiety when going to the dentist, or has any type of special needs, IV sedation is a great solution to ensure a child receives the oral health care they need.

“Your child will have little or no recollection of the procedure after the fact, meaning that there are no bad memories to exacerbate fears that may make your child resistant to future appointments and treatments. With IV sedation, the amount of medications needed to keep your child relaxed and at ease will be monitored and adjusted continuously until your child is resting comfortably for the procedure. Short acting medications are used, so your child usually wakes up pretty quickly once the procedure is finished. And in case of any complication, most of the drugs administered can be reversed right away.” Huffington Post

Consider Asking a Few Questions Before the Procedure

Who will the sedation be performed by? “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) both recommend that an anesthesia professional be with your child while the dentist concentrates on the procedure.”

Who will be evaluating my child before the procedure? Medical and surgical history, previous illnesses, allergies, medications, and any hospitalizations.

Prior to the procedure, how long should my child be without food or drink?

Who will be monitoring my Child’s vital signs before, during, and after he procedure?

Will there be any medication given to my child before or after the procedure?

Asking the right questions can ensure your child receives safe care and give you peace of mind.  If you need answers to any of these questions or have questions of your own, feel free to contact Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates.