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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is sedation important?
Most dental procedures in children are completed using local anesthesia, however very young, fearful or uncooperative children also require some sedation. Sedation is a deep sleep that insulates your child from the stress and discomfort associated with dental procedures. It is not the same as general anesthesia used in a hospital. With the young patient sleeping and comfortable, your dentist can concentrate on the procedure knowing that your child’s breathing, heart activity and general condition are being closely watched by the pediatric anesthesiologist.
Who is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist?
A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has completed specialty training in anesthesiology and extra training in anesthesia for infants and children.
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How is sedation given?
Sedative medications are given as an intramuscular injection (shot) that works quickly and reliably within about 5 minutes. Please do not tell your child about the shot. You may hold and comfort your child until the sedative takes effect. Your child may not remember the injection or the office visit. Once in the dental procedure room blood pressure, heart and breathing monitors are placed. The intramuscular sedatives are supplemented with nitrous oxide administered by nose-mask and intravenous sedatives (IV). This allows your child’s dentist enough procedure time to complete all of your child’s dental treatment in one visit eliminating the need for repeat visits and sedations. Parents are not allowed in the dental procedure room during the sedation.
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Can this procedure be done without Sedation?
Dental procedures can usually be accomplished without sedation. However, children who are very young, anxious, uncooperative, or require extensive dentistry with multiple appointments benefit from sedation. This type of sedation is not the same as a general anesthesia used in a hospital operating room. Rather, it is a controlled sleep that insulates the child from the stimulation of dental treatment while allowing the dentist to complete treatment in a safe and efficient manner. Your child will be deeply asleep but there is the possibility of bodily movements, therefore children are protected in a light Velcro wrap during the treatment period but will be unaware of this restraint. The type of sedative drugs and technique will be determined by the anesthesiologist who will consider the medical history, length of the dental procedure, and body weight of your child. |
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