Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to sedative and anesthetic options that cause your child to relax or fully fall asleep during extensive or uncomfortable dental procedures. If your child struggles to sit still through a treatment they need, sedation dentistry ensures they meet their oral health needs without discomfort or overstimulation.

The team at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry sits down with you ahead of time to talk about the dental work your child needs and their options for sedation. There are many factors to consider, including how long the procedure will take and the level of discomfort it may cause. 

If you’re unfamiliar with sedation dentistry, the team happily answers all of your questions in detail so you can make an informed decision about your child’s oral care. 

What are my child’s options for sedation dentistry?

Herrin Pediatric Dentistry offers three sedation options that make extensive, complex, or painful dental work easier for your child to sit through. Your dentist can make recommendations specific to your child’s needs, but the three options are:

Oral sedation

Oral sedation is a safe option that lets your child stay awake throughout the procedure after taking a pill. The medication drastically reduces their anxiety and makes them drowsy. If your child gets oral sedation, they shouldn’t eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. 

Laughing gas

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a mild type of sedation that your child inhales through a mask over their nose. They won’t fall asleep and will stay alert enough to respond to commands, but they’ll feel calm and pain-free until the procedure is over. 

Intravenous (IV) sedation

IV sedation is the strongest form available at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry. The medication enters your child’s bloodstream directly through a needle in a vein. The team monitors your child closely as they go into a deep state of relaxation. 

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent option that makes dentistry easier for many children and adults. It’s particularly useful for kids, who might be unfamiliar with dental work and the sensations that affect them during certain procedures.

Your child might benefit from one of the three sedation options at Herrin Pediatric Dentistry if they:

• Need multiple procedures in one sitting
• Are afraid or anxious about dental visits
• Have trouble sitting still for long periods of time
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Have a low pain threshold
• Have particularly sensitive teeth

If the team thinks your child can benefit from sedation dentistry, they’ll let you know why and make a recommendation for a type that aligns with your child’s needs. 

To schedule an appointment for your child and review the options for sedation dentistry in detail, call Herrin Pediatric Dentistry or book online today.