Learning your child needs a complex dental procedure may leave you feeling a bit apprehensive. Not only do you dislike seeing them scared and nervous about what is to come, but you also worry that the methods used to keep them calm and pain-free throughout the process may not be safe. A local pediatric dentist hopes to reassure you and your child by answering the question, “Is sedation dentistry safe for children in Katy?” By providing detailed facts and information about this proven method of dental care, you can feel more at ease when it’s time for their appointment.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
The answer depends on the discussions you have with your child’s pediatric dentist in Katy. Most children are eligible to receive sedation dentistry; however, it is important that you go over their medical history, any current medications they’re taking, and any allergies they have. This will allow the dentist to determine if and which type of sedation will be safe for your child to receive before their appointment.
As recently as 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) revised their guidelines regarding the safety of children receiving sedation and general anesthesia. With new stipulations put into place, it is now necessary for there to be:
- 2 people in the room trained to offer life support should a problem occur
- One individual must be a dentist or oral surgeon while the other is an observer (i.e., physician, anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, second oral surgeon, or a dentist anesthesiologist)
At Happy Chompers Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Khan works alongside a board-certified dental anesthesiologist who performs and administers the sedation in-office. They also have rights at local hospitals should you prefer that your child receive anesthesia in a hospital setting.
What Types of Sedation Are Available?
Each dental professional is different, so while one may only offer one type of sedation, another may offer 4 or 5. The most common forms of sedation include:
- Nitrous Oxide: This is considered the mildest form and is administered by placing a nasal mask over the nose and encouraging the patient to inhale. The effects take only minutes to begin working and quickly dissipate once the gas is turned off.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Children are provided an oral medication, which is to be taken before their appointment begins. They will have little memory of their visit but will remain completely relaxed throughout their visit. They will need to rest afterward, as the effects do take several hours to wear off.
- IV Sedation: This form of advanced sedation uses an IV that is placed in the hand or arm and allows a child to remain fully relaxed. They may fall asleep; however, it will not put them to sleep like general anesthesia.
- General Anesthesia: If a child experiences severe anxiety, general anesthesia can be used to put them into an unconscious state. Throughout their procedure, their dental team will monitor their vitals to ensure their safety, and your child will likely remember nothing from their visit.
- Hospital Anesthesia: In the most high-risk situations, a child can receive anesthesia with the help of additional medical support. You may also request to have the procedure performed in a hospital setting.
When it comes to your child’s oral health and comfortability, you can trust that their pediatric dentist will go above and beyond to ensure their safety during every appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Adeel Khan is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Katy, TX who received his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dr. A and his team understand visiting the dentist can be scary for little ones, which is why he is pleased to offer sedation dentistry. Working alongside a board-certified dental anesthesiologist, Dr. A can ensure greater safety throughout their visit. To learn more about our sedation techniques, visit our website or call (832) 789-8348 for questions or to schedule an appointment.