If your child or teen requires treatment from their pediatric dentist in Hinsdale or Downers Grove, they may recommend sedation as well. While your first instinct as a parent may be to feel fearful of the unknown, it’s important to take a deep breath and ask. Ask questions about your concerns, why they think your child could benefit from sedation, and whether it’s safe. Below, you can read the answers to four of the most common questions parents ask about children’s dental sedation.
How Do I Know if Dental Sedation is Right for My Child?
The answer to this question will depend on a number of factors, like whether your child or teenager needs one or more dental treatments, if they experience dental phobia, or if they have special needs. After your child’s pediatric dentist has completed a thorough exam, they may recommend either in-office nitrous oxide sedation or hospital-administered general anesthesia. During the consultation, they will explain why they feel this service is recommended and answer any additional questions you may have.
Are There Any Risks to Dental Sedation?
As with any dental or medical procedure, there are always risks, but your child’s pediatric dentist will discuss all of them with you. During a consultation, they will also go over your child or teen’s medical history to make sure that they’re a good candidate for sedation. If they aren’t, they will recommend other options to ensure they have a comfortable, safe, and positive visit.
What Type of Dental Sedation Should My Child Receive?
Pediatric dentists offer different types of sedation for different situations. If your child needs to be treated in a hospital due to them being very young, having disabilities, or they require several treatments at once, general anesthesia may be best suited for their case. On the other hand, if they’re receiving a dental filling for the first time and are nervous, in-office nitrous oxide could be the better fit.
Will My Child Experience Any Side-Effects from Dental Sedation?
For nitrous oxide sedation, better known as laughing gas, there are little to no side effects for healthy children. Some children may feel nauseous or dizzy. Many children are able to return to school directly after treatment as the effects wear off almost immediately. If your child receives general anesthesia, you can expect the effects of the sedation to linger for up to 24 hours.
Your child’s pediatric dentist will always prioritize their safety, so never hesitate to voice your concerns and ask questions during their appointment. By getting the detailed information you need, you can make an informed decision that you feel confident and comfortable in, and your child’s pediatric dentist wants that, too!
About the Practice
At Brush Pediatric Dentistry, our team is comprised of several board-certified pediatric dentists, most of whom are moms too, so they’re always happy to address parents’ concerns! All of our experts are on-staff at Lurie Children’s Hospital Chicago and work alongside expert, board-certified anesthesiologists to deliver safe and exceptional care. For questions or to learn more, schedule a consultation by visiting our website or calling 630-504-2223.