Did you know that roughly 20% of school-aged children are afraid of the dentist? From loud drills and sharp tools to unfamiliar people and a fear of pain, it’s not hard to see why it can become a scary experience for them. Fortunately, that’s where sedation dentistry in Ellington comes in! Not only can it relax patients and relieve their anxiety, but it can also help them stay still so dental teams can work quickly. However, many parents wonder if it is a safe option for their children. Read on for the answer, common types, and the benefits!

So, Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?

In short, the answer is yes! If your child experiences feelings of anxiety surrounding going to the dentist or needs oral surgery, sedation dentistry can help them get the treatment they need. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have recently updated the guidelines for deep sedation or general anesthesia with children. During sedation, there must be a minimum of two people in the room who are trained in advanced life support measures, one of which must be a physician anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, oral surgeon, or dentist anesthesiologist.

Knowing Your Options

• Nitrous oxide – This is a minimally invasive, mild sedative that is commonly known as “laughing gas.” By breathing this in with a bit of oxygen, a state of relaxation will follow almost immediately. Plus, the amount can be adjusted as needed throughout the appointment and the effects wear off quickly!
• Oral conscious sedation – For children who want little to no memory of their visit, oral conscious sedation is the next step up. By taking a small pill one hour before the appointment, patients can comfortably relax while still being able to coherently respond throughout the treatment. However, since the effects are more powerful, it is important to escort your child both to and from the office and monitor them throughout the day.

4 Additional Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is widely known for its ability to effectively relax patients who are feeling anxious. However, it can do more than just that! In fact, it can:

• Help patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
• Offer pain-free dental care.
• Allow the dentist to complete multiple services in one visit.
• Reduced unpleasant side effects since the patient is still conscious.

If your child has a dental phobia, then it is time to speak with their dentist about sedation dentistry. That way, they can comfortably get the treatment they need without the stress!

About the Practice

Since 1977, Zahner Dental has built a reputation on integrity-based care, world-class service, and a genuine passion for helping patients achieve gorgeous smiles and pristine oral health. With their talented staff at their side, Dr. Warren Zahner, Dr. Shawn Zahner, and Dr. Jonathan Zahner use the latest technology and their impressive clinical skills to improve the oral health of patients of all ages. If you would like to speak with their team about oral sedation options for your child, visit their website or give them a call at 860-870-9031.