Anxiety, discomfort and at times, pain can be issues when it comes to having dental work done; it is difficult at times for adults, not surprisingly, it can be doubly difficult for children who feel the same things but don’t know how to deal with them. Due to this, the children’s dentist in Brecksville, OH will often find that sedation is necessary for the duration of the procedure. The sedation that the children’s dentist uses is similar to that used with adult patients, it is just that the child dentist must be very aware of the correct dosage and the age of the child must be kept in mind when choosing the sedative that will be used.
A very well known sedative that is used for general dentistry is nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide does not put a child out, the child stays perfectly awake and alert, the gas simply relaxes the patient more than is usual. By staying awake and in control, the child can converse with the dentist and report and unusual feelings or pain. Once the procedure is over, the dentist gives the child oxygen and the effects of nitrous oxide disappear immediately with no ill effects. This method of sedation is popular with the children’s dentist in Brecksville, OH, the parents and the child, there are no side effects and it is perfectly safe.
If the dentist knows that the child’s disposition is such that nitrous oxide will not give the desired effect, he or she can elect to administer an oral conscious sedative. This is given orally, it helps the child to relax almost to the point of sleep but the child stays awake during the procedure. It may take a couple of hours for the effect of this sedative to wear off but the dentist will keep the child monitored during this time just to make sure there are no adverse side effects.
Under rare circumstances it may be necessary to sedate the child with IV sedation, when this happens a professional who is experienced with anesthesia is called in to assist. The IV usually contains propofol which causes drowsiness and lack of coordination. Close monitoring of the child is required and when the procedure is over the parent will most often have to carry the child to the car and then allow for a day’s rest.
Dr. Arlene J. Coloma DDS., a children dentist practices pediatric dentistry with preventive and restorative dental care procedures in Brecksville, OH.
