I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
If your child is too young to cooperate with a dental team but needs an invasive dental procedure, your dentist will likely recommend sedation for them. Sedation is a way to calm your child during a procedure. This will make the procedure faster and easier to accomplish and will also be more comfortable for your child. But there are some things that you should know about sedation before you agree to it o behalf of your child.
There Are Different Levels of Sedation
When your dentist recommends that your child undergo sedation to make a dental procedure faster and less intimidating, it is important to realize that your dentist may be talking about several different levels of sedation. Light sedation can be done in a dental office. Under light sedation, your child will be able to talk and cooperate with the dentist, but they will be less anxious and may not remember the procedure. Under full sedation or heavy sedation, your child will not be able to participate in the procedure and they will have no memory of it, either.
There Are Different Ways to Administer Sedation
Sedation can be administered through a nasal mask, a pill, a liquid solution that your child swallows, an injection, or an IV. Often an anesthesiologist will combine types of sedation. For example, they may give your child a pill or injection that will partially sedate them, which will allow the anesthesiologist to place an IV catheter for continuous sedation more easily. Each type of administration has its benefits, but you may be able to select the method that you prefer for your child in some cases.
All Types of Sedation Can Have Short-Term Effects You Should Know About In Advance
Whether your child is under partial or complete sedation and whichever method of administration you and your dentist choose, you should realize that there can be lingering effects from sedation that may last a day or two. These can include confusion, clumsiness, disorientation, and a fever. Some of the side effects, especially when your child first comes out of sedation, can be somewhat difficult for parents to watch. Understanding what to expect will help you support your child as the sedation clears. You should talk to your dentist or the anesthesiologist about which side effects you should expect and when to call a doctor or seek emergency assistance.
The most important thing for parents to understand about dental sedation is that there are many options available. The more you communicate with your child's dentist about these options, the better experience your child will have. Keep in mind that a kid dentist will have more experience dealing with children in general and should be able to guide you to make the right choice.
Share20 April 2017
