Debunking Myths About Sedation Dentistry
Not everyone is familiar with the ins and outs of dental sedation. Some parents may have only received laughing gas when they were younger, causing them to think the same singular option will be available for their child. In actuality, our Grandville pediatric dentists offer a few different sedation methods to ensure children feel relaxed during their visit.
To help parents overcome long held preconceptions about , here are a few popular myths debunked.
Why We Offer Dental Sedation Options
Our pediatric dentists understand that many kids struggle while in the dental chair. Some are anxious and have trouble handling discomfort while others are hyperactive and can’t control their movements. Fortunately, we have options that allow patients to enjoy their appointment from start to finish.
Learn More → 3 Comfort Methods We Provide for Your Child
At our Grandville, MI, pediatric dental office, we predominantly provide laughing gas and in the form of a liquid, with general anesthesia being recommended when:
- Conscious sedation is not an option.
- Your child is extremely anxious.
- Your child has special needs.
- There are extensive dental treatment needs.
- Your child is very young and can’t sit through longer procedures.
If your child requires general anesthesia but the hospital setting is too stressful for them, they may be eligible to have a licensed dental anesthesiologist from CarePoint Anesthesia present in the exam room with them. Otherwise, our pediatric dentists offer services through the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for patients who are not qualified to be under general anesthesia in our office.Safety is our number one priority and we will only go in this direction if we feel it would benefit your child.
Outside of hospital dentistry where your child is fully “under”, our pediatric dentists use laughing gas administered through a nose mask or oral medication given before your child’s visit. Either of these conscious dental sedation options keep your child aware of their surroundings and able to respond to instructions throughout their procedure.
Though Untrue, Many Parents Think Sedation:
1. Isn’t Safe for Kids (Only Adults)
This misconception is fairly widespread but still false. Pediatric dental sedation is not exclusively meant for adults and is safely used for children every day. You can rest assured that your child is closely monitored by our trained dental professionals when given sedation. Their medical history is also reviewed beforehand to make sure sedation is appropriate.
Laughing gas is an easy sedation option for kids of varying ages that shows them that it’s possible to be awake and calm at the dentist. All our pediatric dentists do is place a small mask over their nose and instruct your child to gently breathe in. The gas’ effect takes place soon after they start breathing it in and ceases once the mask is removed.
2. Only Works for Kids Afraid of Pain
A low pain tolerance can be a motivating factor for children’s dental sedation, but there are other situations where it can also prove useful. For example, our pediatric dentists may have a lengthy procedure scheduled for your child that goes beyond routine care.
Because this means your child will need to remain still for some time, we can administer oral conscious sedation. They may be a little drowsy, but if asked to turn their head or open their mouth wider, they are fully capable of following commands.
A jittery or hyper patient can also benefit from sedation as it relaxes them and allows our pediatric dentists to work efficiently.
3. Causes Your Child to Completely Fall Asleep
If general anesthesia is not being used, your child will not go to sleep. Like mentioned above, they may feel sleepier than before they arrived, but they’ll remain responsive and awake.
The great thing about more mild dental sedation like laughing gas or oral medication is that it has the ability to calm nerves without making the patient fully unconscious. We want your child to still play a role in their visit and come to associate the relaxed feeling with dentistry. Who knows, mild sedation today could lead to sedation-free visits later on!
4. Is Reserved for Long Procedures Only
It’s true that sedation can come in handy for lengthy procedures or multiple procedures performed within one appointment. However, if your child suffers from dental anxiety, our pediatric dentists can offer laughing gas for use during a teeth cleaning if needed.
5. Causes Lasting Side Effects
For most children, sedation side effects are mild and temporary. For instance, laughing gas wears off within minutes of removing the nose mask, leaving no lingering impact. Oral conscious sedation may cause some grogginess, a feeling of heaviness, slower reflexes, or an incomplete memory of the procedure, but these effects also dissipate within a few hours. While it’s normal for your child to feel a bit drowsy immediately after their visit, they’ll typically return to feeling like themselves after some rest.
At our dental office, your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our dentists are extensively trained in administering sedation and monitoring its effects to ensure your child has a positive, stress-free experience. With proper care and rest after their appointment, any side effects will resolve quickly, leaving your child ready to enjoy their healthy, happy smile. You can feel confident knowing they are in expert hands every step of the way.
We’re Dedicated to a Comfortable Experience
Going to the dentist is necessary for a healthy smile, but it doesn’t mean your child always looks forward to their upcoming visit. If needed, our pediatric sedation dentists in Grandville, MI, can help with available relaxation options. Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.