Tooth decay and complicated dental conditions may sometimes require more than a local anesthetic, which numbs only the mouth. To keep children from moving during a lengthy and complex procedure, they may require sedation. Pediatric dentists can offer families several options for sedation based on a child’s medical history. Here’s a brief overview of the practices that govern the safe use of dental sedation in children.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative administered with oxygen through a mask fitted over a child’s nose. After a few minutes, a child will feel quiet and peaceful. Some may feel a bit giddy and lightheaded.

They’ll be awake and able to respond to voice commands. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask comes off, but a child will be supervised and not dismissed until they’re fully conscious.

Mild & Moderate Sedation

When a child is mildly or moderately sedated by a pediatric dentist, a single medication or a combination is given to a child, usually by mouth. Children will feel sleepy but remain awake.

They’re able to breathe on their own and may be responsive to simple directives from the dentist. Although recovery is fast and easy, children may or may not remember the details of the procedure.   

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation involves the delivery of medication intravenously to allow a patient to sleep through a procedure. Because respiration may be affected, standards of care require the presence of not only the pediatric dentist but also another trained professional—an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, or an oral surgeon—to act as an independent observer, monitoring breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels until a child is deemed ready to go home.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia puts patients to sleep and makes them impervious to pain. A specially trained anesthetist administers the medication and supervises the patient while an oral surgeon or pediatric dentist performs the procedure. A dentist’s office must be specially outfitted with life-sustaining rescue equipment to treat children who require general anesthesia.

William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD values education and endeavors to inform parents of safe and effective options regarding their children’s dental care. Ohio families in Chillicothe and Jackson rely on them for comprehensive care, ranging from periodontal cleanings to root canals and restorative surgeries. Visit them online for an overview of the dental services they provide, or call (740) 772-2225 to schedule a consultation about your family’s dental health.