Going to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for adults. Imagine how much more overwhelming it can be for a child who doesn’t fully understand what’s happening. In some cases, they may become so anxious it’s nearly impossible to carry out their dental procedure safely.
In such cases, oral sedation may be necessary. It helps patients relax during dental procedures. For kids, it usually comes in a liquid form that’s easy to swallow and works to ease anxiety without putting them to sleep.
So kids can have oral sedation, which is safe and effective when administered by a skilled professional. But kids have different needs and often can’t fully express their discomfort or fears when in the dental chair.
In Butte, Montana, Robert F. Wilcox, DMD, has not only mastered the technicalities of administering oral sedation, but he knows how to connect with kids on their level and can sense what a child needs even before they say it.
Here, we explain how oral sedation works for kids and when Dr. Wilcox recommends it.
Oral sedation helps the body relax. For children, dentists often use medications like midazolam, which is fast-acting and reduces anxiety.
Once the medication takes effect, your child feels relaxed and drowsy but remains awake and responsive. They might feel like they’re in a dreamy state, which helps them stay calm during the procedure.
Many kids don’t remember much about the dental work afterward, which can be good for anxious children.
Oral sedation is different from general anesthesia. Your child isn’t unconscious. Instead, they’re in a deeply relaxed state, breathing on their own and able to respond to simple instructions.
Oral sedation isn’t necessary for every dental visit, but it can be helpful in some situations. If your child is extremely afraid of going to the dentist, even for routine cleanings, oral sedation can help them feel calm and less stressed.
If your child needs multiple procedures in one appointment, sedation can make the experience more manageable. Also, parents of children with physical, cognitive, or behavioral conditions find oral sedation helps their kids stay relaxed and comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
For kids who have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation makes dental procedures more comfortable. Young children or those with attention-related challenges may have trouble staying still for extended periods. With sedation, we can complete the procedure safely.
When administered by a qualified professional like Dr. Wilcox, oral sedation is very safe for kids.
Dr. Wilcox follows strict safety guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. To ensure safety, he carefully calculates the appropriate dose based on your child’s age, weight, and medical history.
Before recommending sedation, Dr. Wilcox carries out a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed review of your child’s health history and any current medications.
During the procedure, he and his team closely monitor your child’s vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels, to ensure everything remains stable.
Before the appointment, we give you clear instructions on when your child should stop eating and drinking. This mini-fast reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Wilcox also reviews your child’s medical history and answers any questions you have about the process.
Your child receives the sedative about 30 minutes to an hour before the procedure. As the medication takes effect, your child becomes relaxed, drowsy, and less aware of their surroundings. Dr. Wilcox monitors your child’s vital signs to ensure their safety.
After the appointment, your child may feel groggy or sleepy for a few hours as the medication wears off. It’s normal for your child to have little to no memory of the procedure.
Dr. Wilcox provides aftercare instructions, including what your child can eat and drink and when it’s safe to resume normal activities.
So, can kids have oral sedation? Yes, they can, and when a qualified professional like Dr. Wilcox administers it, sedation can be a safe, effective way to help your child get the dental care they need without stress. Call or request an appointment online today.
