For many surgical or beyond-the-surface procedures, making patients completely unconscious is best for everyone. Not only does it bring peace to the patient, but also the doctor and others in the building don’t have to hear terrified or painful screaming or moaning, and the patient doesn’t have traumatizing memories. In fact, many people say they would prefer to be knocked out completely for medical and dental treatment to wake up a feel groggy for a few hours over staying awake throughout.
Concerning dental work for your child, they—and perhaps even you—may initially hope they will be put to sleep for certain procedures, but that may not be the best option for them. Here is a realistic and helpful explanation of how sedation dentistry works and of which solution is appropriate to use when.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Mild Anxiety and Comfortable Treatment
Nitrous oxide, which also is commonly called laughing gas, often doesn’t actually make patients giggle or say funny things, but it fills them with a sense of contentment, warmth, and lightness. They remain awake and aware of their surroundings, but they don’t feel bothered by what’s going on.
A small mask goes over the nose and releases a high concentration of nitrogen and oxygen to breathe in, which can be adjusted until ideal relaxation is reached in just a few minutes. In addition to keeping the young patient calm, nitrous oxide can also provide another level of pain relief, ensuring a completely successful procedure and experience in the chair for your child.
Most of the time, basically any kid can benefit from this gentler form of sedation. After a few minutes of the mask being removed, your child should look and act completely normal again, but they should also have the awareness and memory of the appointment to know that it went well!
General Anesthesia for Advanced Fear or Kids with Special Needs
Kids are just as varied as the rest of humankind, which means that one solution may not work for everyone. Specifically, kids who face harder challenges may need something more powerful: general anesthesia. These kids can include those who have a more intense fear of the dentist, kids with medical or developmental special needs, and children who need to undergo multiple or complex procedures.
Used predominantly in surgeries, general anesthesia makes the patient completely unconscious and is performed by certified anesthesiologists either in the practice or in the hospital setting because of the potential risks. These highly qualified professionals can monitor your child’s vital signs and focus on making sure they stay physically safe while your pediatric dentist performs essential work in the patient’s mouth.
Although it is possible for your child to be put to sleep for their treatment, it may be better for them to take advantage of nitrous oxide sedation if they can. Not only can this medication lower their stress levels, but it can also show them that dental visits don’t have to be scary or uncomfortable. Talk to your pediatric dentist about your child’s needs to see which sedative might best help your child!
About the Practice
Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry wants to establish healthy habits with Denver kids and loves to show them how rewarding dental visits can be. Dr. Patrick Bowman and Dr. Kathleen Waguespack are board-certified pediatric dentists and are parents with kids in their own families. In other words, they know how to help and treat kids feel comfortable and have strong smiles! The practice offers both nitrous oxide and general anesthesia. If you would like to talk to us about using sedation at your child’s appointment, just let us know when we schedule your appointment online or by calling 720-647-6310.