Sedation

What is sedation?

Sedation is a technique to guide a child’s behavior during dental treatment. Medications are used to help increase cooperation and to reduce anxiety or discomfort associated with dental procedures. Sedative medications cause most children to become relaxed and drowsy. Unlike general anesthesia, sedation is not intended to make a patient unconscious or unresponsive.

Who should be sedated for dental treatment?

Sedation may be indicated for children who have a level of anxiety that prevents good coping skills, those who are very young and do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion, or those requiring extensive dental treatment. Sedation can also be helpful for some patients who have special needs.

Why utilize sedation?

Sedation is used for a child’s safety and comfort during dental procedures. It allows the child to cope better with dental treatment and helps prevent injury to the child from uncontrolled or undesirable movements. Sedation promotes a better environment for providing dental care.

What medications are used?

Various medications can be used to sedate a child. Medicines will be selected based upon your child’s overall health, level of anxiety and dental treatment recommendations.

Is sedation safe?

Sedation can be used safely and effectively when administered by a pediatric dentist who follows the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Verma will discuss sedation options and patient monitoring for the safety and comfort of your child.

What special instructions should I follow before the sedation appointment?

Children often perceive a parent’s anxiety which makes them more fearful. They tolerate procedures best when their parents understand what to expect and prepare them for the experience. If you have any questions about the sedation process, please ask. As you become more confident, so will your child.

Should your child become ill, contact Star Pediatric Dentistry to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment. Tell us about any prescribed, over-the-counter or herbal medications your child is taking. Check with Dr. Verma to see if routine medications should be taken the day of the sedation.

Dr. Verma will provide you with additional detailed instructions before your sedation visit. It is very important to follow the directions regarding fasting from fluids and foods prior to the sedation appointment.

What special instructions should I follow after the sedation appointment?

Dr. Verma will evaluate your child’s health status and discharge your child when she is responsive, stable and ready to go. Children recover from effects of sedatives at different rates so be prepared to remain at the office until the after-effects are minimal. Once home, your child must remain under adult supervision until fully recovered from the effects of the sedation. Dr. Verma will discuss specific post-sedation instructions with you, including appropriate diet and physical activity.