Proper education and training in methods of employing and monitoring the use of pediatric dental sedation have led to some amazing children’s dental health victories. As many as 250,000 pediatric dental sedations are now performed every year. Not only is this good news for kids who are scared of the going to the dentist, but for dental professionals as well. It will reduce the stress of calming kids down for their procedures and put the parents at ease.

What are pediatric dental sedations?
They are a series of techniques that aim to make children feel more comfortable while receiving dental treatment. Here are a few common ones used by many professionals, including your local pediatric dentist in Arcola.

1. Oral Conscious Sedation
   This sedation technique is generally used to calm anxious children while maintaining consciousness. A small amount of liquid medicine will be orally administered to prevent both pain and risk of sudden movement that could result in injury.
2. General Anesthesia
   This sedation method is used in one of two circumstances. The first involves a very anxious child or a child with special needs. The second involves extensive dental surgery. General anesthesia puts your child completely to sleep so the surgery can go smoothly and without anxiety induced movement. This is very effective and used only under direct supervision of an anesthesiologist.
3. Nitrous Oxide
   Laughing gas is used if necessary, and to calm the worried parents out there, it’s harmless. Children might feel a bit tingly, but they remain awake throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide is a gaseous anesthetic, and it numbs them in a subtle, calming way.

If you have a child and you need a pediatric dentist in Arcola, talk to us about what pediatric dental sedations you feel comfortable with. Teaching children good dental hygiene practices from a young age is essential to proper development. Brushing habits, gum care, and dental issues can be neglected if kids are not positively encouraged. That’s why we strive to make both the children and the parents feel safe in our hands. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.