Is Sedation Dentistry Appropriate for Kids?

Sedation dentistry is an increasingly common option for patients who are anxious or afraid of the dentist or dental treatment or who are uncertain about their ability to withstand lengthy or complex treatment without getting some help to physically relax. We are often asked whether sedation dentistry in Kelowna is appropriate for children. The general answer is “yes,” but the details are important. We’ll go through some of the details and options for sedation dentistry near you in this article.

When is sedation dentistry a good option?

The first thing to keep in mind that a dentist in Kelowna always uses a local anesthetic to numb areas being treated when treating children. Sedation dentistry isn’t necessary to prevent a child from feeling pain; that is accomplished with local anesthetics. Having said that, sedation dentistry in one of many possible formats (which we’ll outline below) may be appropriate in the following situations:

• When treating an extremely young child who may not be able to control their muscles or stay still
• To help a child who can’t stay still due to nervousness or age to remain calm and still during treatment
• During lengthy procedures or procedures that require extreme precision
• To help a child with special needs or acute fear or anxiety to remain calm while receiving care
• To enable treatment of children who may be susceptible to involuntary and unpredictable motor tics or physical movements

What types of sedation dentistry are available to help children

Your pediatric dentist in Kelowna provides sedation dentistry in several different formats in order to allow them to fine-tune and deliver the precise level of relaxation to ensure your child receives all necessary treatment comfortably and safely. The best option for any given child at any given age will depend on several factors that include: medical history, prior experience with sedative drugs, level of fear or anxiety, and the nature of the treatment being provided. 

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas and is inhaled by the child along with oxygen through a mask. Nitrous oxide helps a child to relax and wears off quickly with only occasional nausea afterwards.

Oral conscious sedation is a deeper level of relaxation for more anxious and non-cooperative children or children with special needs or who have difficulty controlling their movements or remaining still. Oral sedation is provided in a pill or liquid form and makes your child drowsy but will not put them to sleep. Your child may remain drowsy for a couple hours after treatment is completed. 

Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered through an IV into a vein in your child’s arm. IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. Your child will be very relaxed and may achieve a very deep sleep. Many dentists recommend this option above others because of the level of relaxation provided and because it can be adjusted throughout treatment as might be required. Children who undergo treatment under IV sedation often do not remember their treatment.

General anesthesia is appropriate for the most complex or lengthy forms of treatment and for children who are simply too young (under the age of three) to withstand treatment otherwise. During general anesthesia, your child will be in deep sleep throughout the entire procedure. Procedures under general anesthesia are not usually performed at your usual dental clinic but at another outpatient facility. Pediatric dentists use general anesthesia when required, but prefer to use conscious sedation (nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation) whenever possible. General anesthesia requires the longest period of recovery from the drugs’ sedative effect.

Undergoing sedation dentistry near you is safe for kids because it will be tailored for your child’s specific needs based on a careful consideration of their health and medical history. We understand that the prospect of treating your child under sedation is very anxiety-inducing. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We’re committed to understanding, responding to and addressing all of your concerns.