Sedation for Children in Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo

The Use of Sedation for Anxious Children

Sedation is safe and recommended for children who are too anxious to sit still and receive treatment. Most often, dentists will use conscious sedation that will help the child relax while staying conscious and able to respond to voices. There are several types of medication used for conscious sedation and several ways to deliver the dose. It may be an inhaled gas, a pill or syrup that is swallowed, or it may be injected with a syringe.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. It is often used for children who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fears so that they can relax. This helps them to receive treatment in a comfortable and safe manner.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small mask over the nose. Your child will be asked to breathe through the nose and not through the mouth. As the gas begins to work, the child usually will become less agitated and nervous.

The effects of nitrous oxide are mild. It is safe and quickly eliminated from the body. Your child remains awake and can continue to interact with the dentist. When the gas is turned off, the effects wear off very quickly. The dentist will give your child oxygen for a few minutes after treatment. This helps to flush the child’s body of any remaining gas.

Sometimes young children may reject wearing the mask. Nitrous oxide may not be the right type of sedation for them. In addition, nitrous oxide can sometimes make a child feel nauseous. Before a dental visit using this form of conscious sedation, it is best to feed your child only liquids or a light meal a few hours beforehand. Also, if your child is congested or has trouble breathing through the nose on the day of treatment, nitrous oxide may be less effective.

Oral Sedation

Children who are more anxious may need a stronger medicine than nitrous oxide. Several of these medicines are given by orally. When choosing a medicine, the dentist will consider your child’s anxiety level, ability to cooperate, and the type of treatment being performed.

With oral sedation, your child may be sleepy but can be aroused. He or she also can respond to simple commands. Minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur with some medicines.

Before a visit in which your child is to receive oral sedation, you should receive instructions. They will include:
– Whether to eat or drink before the procedure
– What to expect during treatment
– What to watch for after treatment

You may need to carry your child home after sedation. Your dentist also should discuss how your child will be monitored during sedation. You will need to stay for a short time after dental treatment has been completed. During this time, your child will be observed. The dental staff will make sure recovery is complete and look out for any problems.

General Anesthesia

Sometimes, in order for the dentist to complete a needed procedure, it is necessary to use a general anesthetic that will cause the child to fall into a deep sleep. The patient will not feel pain or be able to move around. General anesthesia does carry some risk, and your dentist can discuss the risks and benefit with you. A physical exam is required before general anesthesia in order to rule out any condition that might interfere with or be affected by the sedation. General anesthesia is administered by a specially licensed professional. It is often administered in a hospital.

On the day of the appointment you should:
– Follow the doctor’s guidelines about eating and drinking before and after the procedure.
– Briefly discuss the procedure with your child. Use simple terms that he or she can understand.
– After the procedure, let your child rest quietly at home. He or she probably will be ready to resume a normal schedule the next day.