A trip to the dentist can be overwhelming and even traumatic for a child, especially if they need complex dental procedures, special needs, or anxiety. A top priority as a parent, is to make sure your child feels comfortable and safe.

IV sedation for pediatric dentistry helps children relax during their appointment, making treatment stress free, go a lot smoother, and allow for several treatments in one visit.

Is IV Sedation For Dentistry Right For Your Child?

Understanding Pediatric IV Sedation Dentistry

The medication administered during IV sedation helps a child stay comfortable and calm during dental treatments. IV sedation often used for children who experience severe anxiety when going to the dentist, have difficulty sitting still for extended period of time, or need multiple treatments

Different Levels Of Dental Sedation

Laughing gas or nitrous oxide: a very mild sedative that helps kids relaxed during their appointment, while staying fully awake.

Oral Sedation: this liquid medication induces relaxation taken before the treatment.

IV Sedation: Offers a deeper level of sedation, medication is administered through a vein. The patient remains awake and is ideal for extensive treatments.

General Anesthesia: This is typically used for major dental work, used in hospital settings, the child sleeps through the procedure.

When Should A Parent Consider IV Sedation For A Child?

While most children experience some level of nervousness when  at the dentist. Unfortunately, for some, the level of fear or anxiety is so much that it prevents them from having the necessary oral health care they need. You may want to consider IV sedation if your child is physically distressed at their dentist appointment, cries uncontrollably, or refuses treatment.

Signs Of Dental Anxiety

Intense panic or fear before the appointment

Has a difficult time cooperating during treatments or checkups

If they’ve had pervious traumatic dental experience

Avoids or refuses to go the dentist

IV sedation can help your child receive the dental care they need without fear, anxiety, or stress.

Check back with us next week for more reasons when to consider IV sedation dentistry for your  children. Until then, contact Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates for more information.