Skip to main content

Child Sedation Dentistry | LADD Dental Group of Bunker Hill



Safety is LADD Dental Group of Bunker Hill's top consideration when it comes to providing sedation dentistry to children. Dentists may recommend sedation for long, complex procedures and for patients who are especially young or nervous. Sedating a patient is normally a very safe procedure, and parents can help reduce the risks and stress level for their child before, during and after the treatment. 

Types of Sedation
Oral sedation, nitrous oxide and intravenous sedation are the major types of sedation dentists provide. Here at LADD Dental Group of Bunker Hill, oral sedation is taken by mouth or through the nose as soon as the patient arrives at the appointment, as the medicine usually takes up to 20 minutes to work. Oral sedation doesn't put patients to sleep, but it helps them stay calm and relaxed.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, also helps children remain calm. A mask delivers a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, and within five minutes, the patient relaxes and experiences euphoric feelings. At the end of the procedure, pure oxygen is given to the patient to clear out any remaining nitrous oxide.
Intravenous sedation is delivered through a needle inserted into the patient's vein. The American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists explains that nitrous oxide is used to send the child to sleep before a needle is inserted, usually into a vein on the back of the child's hand. A tube is also inserted into the patient's throat to aid breathing. 

Before Sedation
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents that children tolerate sedation and other dental procedures best if the parents understand what is happening and help prepare the child. Parents must restrict food and drink before sedation, and it's especially important that parents follow these guidelines closely for key safety reasons, as sedation poses the risk of stomach contents being vomited and inhaled into the lungs. Dressing the child in loose-fitting clothing also helps because it allows dental assistants to attach monitors quickly and without fuss. Parents must provide a full medical history and tell the dentist if the child is receiving any prescriptions, over-the-counter medication or herbal supplements. 

Parents can help their children stay relaxed by being calm and encouraging, according to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Try bringing along a comfort item for the kid to hold, such as a favorite toy or stuffed animal. Holding the child's hand and talking or singing gently are other good comfort tactics. Parents should also avoid bringing other children to the appointment so that they can focus their full attention on the child receiving care.

Safety Checks
For dentists, ensuring the patient's safety is paramount during dental sedation. While sedated, the patient's blood oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature and heart rate are closely monitored. A patient who requires general anesthesia may be referred to the dental hospital, or to an Oral Surgeon or pediatric dental office.

After Sedation
At LADD Dental Group, parents are usually asked to be present while their child wakes up after sedation. The child may be confused or fussy and may feel nauseous. Two adults should accompany the child or teen on the way home — one to drive and one to check the child's breathing. Longer-lasting aftereffects of sedation include loss of physical coordination, dizziness, sleepiness and nausea, so going back to school or daycare is definitely not an option on the day of the procedure.
For the first few hours after the procedure, parents should give the child only soft foods. If the child experiences vomiting, severe pain, severe bleeding or fever, parents should contact the dentist immediately. When the mouth has healed, the child may continue caring for his teeth as normal, brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sedation Dentistry | Adult Sedation Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville

Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville, Indiana  Nearly half of all North Americans don’t go to the dentist every year.   The number one reason, according to the American Dental Association, is fear.  But fear isn’t the only reason.  People have busy lives and little time for repeated visits to the dentist. Some don't see the importance of keeping their teeth.  And there are a host of other reasons as well.  Whatever your reason, or the reasons for someone close to you, know this – you are not alone!  Sedation Dentistry is here to help you, as it has so many other patients, safely and effectively get the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment for the best dental experience you’ve ever had. This isn’t a One Size Fits All Each patient is unique. That means that whatever medications you may be taking, dental treatments needed, or the years away from the dentist – there is a safe and effective way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Sedatives are given to

Dr. Steven Mah | Welcome To The LADD Dental Group Family

 We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Steven Mah , our newest addition to the LADD Dental Group family. Dr. Mah was born and raised in Evansville, IN, where his passion for helping others began. He pursued a Biology degree at the University of Southern Indiana, graduating in 2019. Driven by his dedication to the dental profession, Dr. Mah went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2024. Dr. Mah is excited to join the LADD Dental team and is eager to bring his expertise and compassionate care to our patients. He looks forward to providing top-notch dental care and getting to know each of our wonderful patients personally. Outside of the office, Dr. Mah enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, whether it's through lively board game nights, exploring new and exciting cuisines, or staying active. Lately, he’s developed a passion for pickleball, and you might even find him on the courts in his free time! Pl

Indiana University School of Dentistry Partnership | Community Based Dental Outreach Program

  We are thrilled to share some incredible news with our valued community! Ladd Dental Group is honored and overjoyed to announce our new partnership with the prestigious Indiana University School of Dentistry and their esteemed community-based dental outreach program. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for us as we join forces with a leading institution in dental education and community service. Together, we aim to elevate oral healthcare accessibility and make a positive impact on the well-being of our community members. At Ladd Dental Group , our commitment to providing exceptional dental care aligns seamlessly with the mission of Indiana University School of Dentistry's community outreach program. As well as, our mission to serve the pediatric, geriatric, and underserved dental communities. This partnership will not only strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality dental services but also enhance our outreach initiatives to serve those in need. We believe