Giving sedative drugs to children can make parents nervous, particularly when it comes to dental care. Parents frequently ask us if a simple dental treatment is worthwhile. Isn't that going too far? Shouldn't they let their children get used to going to the dentist on their own?
There is no doubt that sedation and anesthesia should be taken very seriously. However, these procedures are safe for a child when used judiciously, and managed by experienced and trained medical professionals.
Sedatives can play a key role in providing children with necessary and critical dental healthcare.
Benefits of Dental Sedation for Children
For some children, going to the dentist can be a very stressful and frightening experience. There are many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells at the dentist's office that can be very intimidating to them! Unfortunately, many people carry negative childhood experiences into adulthood and develop dental phobias.
Sedation can be of great value when it comes to treating these anxious little ones without causing further distress and in giving them a positive dentistry experience.
Positive early dental experiences can often pave the way for a healthy, confident approach to dental care for these children as they grow up. In turn, this can mean a lifetime of better oral health!
What Sedation Options Are There?
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a sedative that is administered to patients by combining it with oxygen. It helps patients who are anxious, nervous, or afraid to relax. It is critical for parents to understand that the use of Nitrous Oxide does not impair a patient's reflexes or render them unconscious.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A variety of medications can be used to achieve oral conscious sedation. Our Manitoba dentists can recommend the best oral conscious sedation option for your child and will always be happy to answer any questions you may have.
While oral conscious sedation doesn't usually make a patient unconscious, it can make them drowsy enough to sleep during the procedure. Many patients do not have any memory of their dental procedure after the effect of the sedation wears off.
General Anesthesia
Anesthesia is used to render a patient unconscious. Anesthesia is typically recommended for patients who have limited comprehension, severe behavioural issues, and/or high sensitivity to pain.
Our team of dental professionals prioritizes quality dental care for your children with utmost safety and comfort, always.