How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Kids in Ashburn

Children in Ashburn need to visit the dentist, even if it’s just for check-ups. But the day comes for many kids when they need to get a procedure done. There are a number of children who find the prospect of a dental procedure utterly terrifying. Other children are simply jumpy, others have special needs, and others need to have more than one procedure done during a visit. These children can benefit from sedation dentistry. 

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a way to keep a child calm during a dental procedure without putting them to sleep. It’s important for the child to be awake because they can follow the dentist’s instructions, such as opening their mouth or holding something in their mouth or rinsing during the procedure. They can also answer the dentist’s questions. Sometimes the child won’t even remember the procedure, even though they were awake during it.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Oral Medications: Our Ashburn pediatric dentist may give the child an oral sedative to relax and calm them down. They’re given the medication in the dentist’s office, and it takes about 20 minutes to work. Children who are having oral sedation need to fast after midnight before their appointment.

Laughing Gas: Nitrous oxide is famous for being safe, fast acting, and having a short half-life. This means it clears the system quickly. The child is fitted with a mask that delivers the nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, and the doctor will tell them to breathe through their nose. Laughing gas starts to work in only five minutes, and the mask is left on the child’s face until their treatment is over. When that happens, the dentist turns off the laughing gas and have the child take in pure oxygen for a few minutes. This clears the nitrous oxide out of their system. 

IV Sedation: With IV sedation, the sedative is delivered through a needle that’s inserted in the child’s arm. A child who is having IV sedation needs to prepare for it before they come to the dentist’s office. The child needs to fast and should only take clear liquids after midnight. 

It’s important for the parent to stay calm before the child arrives at our dentist’s office in Ashburn. They can bring a favorite toy, and the dentist allows the parent to stay in the office to hold their hand, touch them or speak or sing to them. The parent will also be allowed to stay with the child in a recovery area after the procedure.

Visit Us for More Information

If you believe your child can benefit from sedation dentistry, consider us here at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!