5 Benefits of Child Sedation Dentistry

If your little one needs a dental appointment, you may wonder if you should also bring up sedation with your pediatric dentist.

There are some definite benefits to using sedation, like laughing gas, when treating children. Keep reading to learn all about them!

What Are My Child’s Dental Sedation Options?

Your pediatric dentist will recommend a specific type of sedation based on several factors, such as the child’s oral health needs, medical history, and even how complex the dental work they need is. 

Children may receive any of the following types of dental sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas): A mild sedative that’s inhaled throughout the procedure;
• ‍Oral Conscious: Medication taken shortly before their appointment, sometimes even the night before;
• ‍IV Sedation: A stream of sedatives delivered through an IV for lengthy treatments;
• ‍General Anesthesia: The only type of dental sedation that puts patients to sleep. It’s only used for major oral surgery and in a clinical setting. 

5 Benefits of Dental Sedation for Children 

Child sedation dentistry brings these perks to the table:

1. Relaxed and happy little patients 

Sedation is designed to help kids stay calm and relaxed, no matter if they're receiving a simple dental cleaning or a scary filling. 

The sedatives, in combination with local anesthesia, help achieve pain-free and stress-free oral care.

2. No more fearing the dentist 

If they don’t feel any pain and are relaxed, then your child is more likely to grow up not fearing the dentist. This plays into their proper oral development tremendously and means your child won’t protest going to their dental appointments, following instructions, and more.

3. Easier treatments

Sedation can also help the dentist provide better care for your child. If the little one isn’t fussing or protesting, it allows the pediatric dentist to properly follow the treatment plan and prevents any unfortunate mistakes that often happen when the child pulls away at the wrong time.

4. Treatment access for infants and small children

Sedation can also help babies and small children who cannot yet follow instructions gain access to proper oral care whenever necessary. 

As a result, parents don’t have to wait until the baby’s older to fix issues like tongue fatigue, baby tooth loss, or other oral health problems. 

5. Quality oral care for special needs kids 

Special needs kids have a difficult time being in the dentist’s chair, whether because they are afraid or because they cannot physically be still and comfortable. 

But sedation is also meant to help children with special needs develop healthy and beautiful smiles!

Learn About Your Child’s Sedation Options Now 

Want to know which type of sedation is suitable for your child? Dr. Lee is here to help! 

Request a sedation consultation at Smile Ark Pediatric Dentistry online or call us at (617) 372-2532 to learn more about our services and how we can help.