The idea of giving sedative drugs to children can make parents feel uneasy, especially when it comes to dental care. Parents often ask us if it’s worth it for a simple dental treatment. Isn't it going a step too far? Shouldn't they allow their children to grow accustomed to visiting the dentist naturally?
There is no doubt that sedation and anesthesia should be taken very seriously. However, these procedures are safe for a child when used judiciously, and managed by experienced and trained medical professionals.
Sedatives can play a key role in providing children with necessary and critical dental healthcare.
What Are The Benefits of Dental sedation For Children?
A visit to the dentist can be an extremely stressful and scary time for some children. There are lots of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells at the dentist's office that can feel very overwhelming to them! Unfortunately, many people carry these negative childhood experiences into adulthood and develop phobias around dental care.
Sedation can be of great value when it comes to treating these anxious little ones without causing further distress and in giving them a positive dentistry experience.
Positive early dental experiences can often pave the way for a healthy, confident approach to dental care for these children as they grow up. In turn, this can mean a lifetime of better oral health!
What Sedation Options Are There?
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a sedative given to patients by mixing it with Oxygen. It helps calm patients down if they are feeling anxious, nervous or afraid. It’s important for parents to know that the use of Nitrous Oxide does not impair a patient’s reflexes and does not make them unconscious.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation can be achieved with a variety of medications. Our Mississauga dentists can recommend the most appropriate oral conscious sedation option for your child, and will always be glad to answer any questions you may have about it.
While oral conscious sedation doesn't usually make a patient unconscious, it can make them drowsy enough to sleep during the procedure. Many patients do not have any memory of their dental procedure after the effect of the sedation wears off.
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia is used to make a patient unconscious. Anesthesia is usually recommended for patients with limited comprehension, serious behavioural challenges and/or high sensitivity to pain.
Our team of dental professionals prioritizes quality dental care for your children with utmost safety and comfort, always.