Sedation Topics and Information
IV vs. Oral Sedation: Which is Right for My Child?
The type of dental sedation that’s best for your child will depend on things like their age, medical background, typical behavior, and the type of procedure that’s needed.
When it comes to choosing between IV and Oral sedation, some of the different advantages you will want to consider include:
Oral Sedation:
- No injections needed
- Medication is easily taken by mouth, via a syrup or pill
- Can be combined with nitrous oxide
- Child is still partially alert and able to respond to questions or instructions
- Preferred for in-office procedures
- Administered by our licensed sedation dentist
- Starts to wear off within a few hours
IV Sedation:
- Can be shortened or lengthened, depending on procedure time
- Deeper level of sedation than oral medications
- More precise in regard to dosage
- Nothing to swallow
- Ideal for oral surgeries or complex medical conditions
- Best for hospital settings
- Preferred for optimal sedation outcomes
- Can be administered by a licensed sedation dentist, nurse anesthetist, or anesthesiologist
Pre & Post Op Instructions
Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious.
There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for conscious sedation. The doctor will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific drugs we plan to give to your child.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
- Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
- Your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours prior to their sedation appointment and only clear liquids for up to 4 hours before the appointment.
- The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
- Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep close to you. Do not let them “run around.”
- Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first.
After the sedation appointment:
- Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
- If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have.
