Going to the dentist can be pretty scary for children. All the sights, sounds, and smells. Someone putting their hands in your little one’s mouth, not to mention how uncomfortable or even painful it can be. But dental work can be necessary. Which is why IV sedation has become so popular. Knowing your child won’t be afraid or in pain, can also put your mind at ease.
“Young children with dental pain and/or infection require treatment at any age—sometimes that means your child will need to go under general anesthesia or sedation. Of course, there are many reasons for this. Some dental procedures require your child to lie completely still, there may be a lot to fix, or the noise of the drill may be scary. The goal is always to provide the safest, most pain-free treatment,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
There are several types of sedation for dental work
Nitrous oxide is very common, it is the lowest level of sedation, also known as laughing gas. Administers through a small breathing mask. It may help a child relax, but often times this is not enough. Especially if a child has special needs or anxiety.
“There should always be at least one additional qualified professional (see Who’s Who list below) who can monitor your child’s heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (breathing) during the procedure and until he or she wakes up. This professional can also determine when your child is ready to go home.”
IV sedation has become quite common and safe in dental work, especially for children, those with special needs, have a gag reflex, or need several procedures. Many parents and caregivers have questions about IV sedation. At Blue Sky Solutions we welcome these questions. We feel it is important everyone feels comfortable.
