Does your Child need Sedation Dentistry? Here’s how to Prepare for that Appointment

Louisville, KY

A good program of pediatric dentistry can set up your child for a lifetime of good oral health. However, many children experience anxiety or fear over an upcoming dental appointment. Sedation dentistry can help them receive the care they need. At Exceptional Dentistry, we understand that it is natural to be concerned about your child being sedated, but our methods of sedation are completely safe for your children. Today on the blog, we have compiled this guide to how to prepare your child for an appointment that involves sedation.

What methods of sedation are available?

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been used in the field of dentistry for decades. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a mask that is placed over the nose. When inhaled, nitrous oxide lowers anxiety and diminishes your child’s awareness of their surroundings—while keeping them awake.  

Oral sedation entails swallowing a small pill 30 to 60 minutes before a scheduled appointment. The medication works quickly, helping your child feel more relaxed and assuaging any feelings of anxiety or fear. Though a stronger method of sedation than laughing gas, your child stays awake and able to communicate under the effects of oral sedation.

Preparing for your child’s sedation dentistry appointment

• Fast: Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are both safe for your child but both methods of sedation have been known to cause nausea in children. We recommend your child eats or drinks minimally on the day of their appointment.
• Communicate: It is natural for your child to be fearful of the unknown. Before the appointment, our staff will relay the entire process to you, and you can explain the full process to your child before coming to our office. Tell your child why the sedation is necessary and why the scheduled dental procedure is important.
• Give them choice: It can help to make your child feel some sense of empowerment before the appointment. You could let them choose their outfit for the day, plan an activity they want following the procedure or bring a family member or friend that the child highly trusts and values.
• Stay calm: If you are apprehensive about your appointment, your child is going to pick up on it. Remain calm and your child will be less likely to worry.

What to expect after the appointment

If your child receives nitrous oxide, the flow of the gas is cut off and replaced with pure oxygen, allowing the effects of the gas to dissipate after just a few minutes. It will take a bit longer for the effects of oral sedation to subside.

Sedation dentistry in Kentuckiana  

Exceptional Dentistry offers sedation dentistry at each of our three locations: in Louisville and Shepherdsville, Kentucky, or Jeffersonville, Indiana. We believe that anxiety or fear should never deprive your child of getting the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry can be the solution. All that being said, we also understand parental concerns and are here for you every step of the way. Our dentists in Louisville will review the medical history of every patient and adhere to all American Dental Association guidelines for the use of sedation. During the procedure, your child will remain constantly monitored by members of our staff. You can rest easy and know that sedation dentistry was the right choice for you and your loved ones.

To find out more about our use of sedation dentistry, our program of pediatric dentistry, or any of the other services we provide, schedule a consultation at Exceptional Dentistry today. Just call (502) 423-7868 or complete our online appointment request form.