Sedation Dentistry - Dental Care For Children With Dental Anxiety and Fear

Oftentimes, anxiety or fear can make it difficult for children to sit still and receive dental work. Sedation dentistry alleviates these emotions and helps them relax, allowing for safer treatment.

There are several forms of sedation dentistry Louisville KY available, depending on the patient’s needs and their comfort level. Some options include inhalation sedation, which uses nitrous oxide (laughing gas) via a mask over the nose and may help with mild anxiety.

Oral Sedation

For patients with mild anxiety or dental phobia, oral sedation may be just what they need to feel at ease during treatment. We prescribe a pill for the patient to take about an hour before their appointment that induces drowsiness and relaxation. With a slightly stronger dose, the medication can cause patients to fall asleep during their appointment, but they remain conscious and can respond to commands. The sedative effects can last several hours, so it’s important to arrange transportation both to and from the dentist.

Sedation dentistry can also help to alleviate pain and discomfort during procedures, making it easier for our patients to get the care they need. It can even make the procedure itself faster and more efficient, helping to save time and money.

For children requiring light sedation, we can offer inhaled minimal sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This allows the child to maintain consciousness while feeling calm and relaxed.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative that we use to help patients feel more comfortable during a dental treatment. It is delivered through a small mask that fits over the nose, and it will begin to take effect within seconds of breathing it in. Your child will be able to respond to questions and requests during their treatment, but they will feel relaxed and calm and may not remember much about their visit afterwards.

It can also be used to reduce gagging in patients with powerful gag reflexes. Additionally, nitrous oxide helps patients relax so they can tolerate more extensive procedures and may make time seem to pass faster. For these reasons, it is one of the most popular forms of sedation dentistry Louisville KY for children and adults who experience anxiety about dental appointments. It is a safe and effective option. It also helps reduce preoperative anxiety for those who are preparing to undergo major dental work.

IV Sedation

For patients with severe dental anxiety or who need more involved procedures, IV sedation (twilight sedation) may be the right option. During this form of sedation, the dentist inserts a thin needle into a vein in the hand or arm, which is connected to an intravenous tube that delivers the sedative directly into the bloodstream. The sedative has an amnesic effect, so you will likely not remember your treatment. As with all sedation techniques, your pulse, breathing and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the appointment.

While sedation dentistry is designed for people with fear and anxiety about the dentist, it is also useful for children who have trouble sitting still, a sensitive gag reflex or need to have a large amount of work done. Because it takes a while for the sedation to wear off, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from the appointment. It is also important to avoid alcoholic beverages for several hours before your visit.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Various types of sedation drugs can be used in conscious dental care. They may be administered orally, intravenously, or inhaled through a mask. Inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an effective method of mild sedation. Combined with oxygen it is ideal for patients who are anxious or have more involved procedures scheduled.

Oral sedation involves swallowing a pill about an hour before your appointment. The medication takes full effect by the time you arrive at the dentist and enables you to feel relaxed, calm, and completely at ease. You will remain awake, but you will likely not remember most of what happens at the dental office.

If you choose this option, you will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from the appointment. The sedative effects can last for several hours. We also recommend that you spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking it easy.