All in all, kids with deep fears of dentists benefit from oral conscious sedation. This service is able to keep them very calm for dental care. Still, maybe you’re not sure whether your little one qualifies for it. How do you tell if your child is a good candidate for oral conscious sedation? Well, your Duncanville pediatric dentist will gladly address your concern. Read on to learn about oral conscious sedation and which kids are best suited to get it.
What’s Oral Conscious Sedation?
Put simply, oral conscious sedation is a way to reduce dental fears. It uses a potent sedative to calm a patient for their treatment. This medicine’s effects are more intense than those of nitrous oxide, so it works best for those with severe anxiety or discomfort.
Unlike other options, oral conscious sedation is applied via pill. Your child will take this medicine just before their visit or when they arrive. Once they have, they’ll feel deep relaxation in fifteen minutes or less.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for It?
Oral conscious sedation is safe for children. Most kids can get it without having any complications. That said, you’ll need to discuss this option with the dentist first. They need to confirm your child’s health and medical history before they can proceed.
Your child is likely a good treatment candidate if any of the following apply:
- Past Dental Trauma
- A Strong or Sensitive Gag Reflex
- Dislike of Needles
- Difficulty with Nitrous Oxide
- Need Several Treatments in One Appointment
With oral conscious sedation, effects tend to last for several hours. That means your child won’t be able to do normal activities for the rest of the day. So, take your kiddo home for rest soon after treatment. The sedative’s effects should wear off by the next morning.
When is Someone Not a Good Candidate?
Of course, not all kids are suited for oral conscious sedation. These little ones will need to find other dentistry options.
Usually, the kids who don’t qualify have specific health issues. They may take a medication that would interact poorly with the sedative. On the other hand, they could have a respiratory illness or an allergy to sedation. Your pediatric dentist will assess your child for such things before using any sedatives. That way, they can find the best sedation option.
Using the facts above, consider if your child is a good candidate for oral conscious sedation. You can then talk to your dental provider about possible treatment.
About the Practice
Barefield Pediatric Dentistry is based in Duncanville, TX. Led by Dr. Donna Barefield, our practice prides itself on caring for kids’ teeth and gums. We thus offer preventive, restorative, and even special needs dentistry, all geared toward your children and their smiles. Our office also provides dental sedation services for young patients with anxiety. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-298-7560.