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Schedule AnSedation dentistry is a great way to improve a patient's experience at the dentist, especially if they experience dental anxiety. However, dental anxiety and fear don't have an age limit—often impacting our youngest patients who may be experiencing their first significant dental procedure. It's entirely valid for parents of young children to question whether sedation is a viable and safe option.
We're here to provide some good news: Sedation dentistry is safe for all ages!
Just like any other medical procedure, our dentistry considers all aspects of our patient's medical history before considering sedation options. Fortunately, both oral and nitrous oxide sedation is a safe option for children as young as 12 months—the average age for a child's first dentist appointment.
To ease any concerns, here are some frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry and young patients:
When your child's first tooth makes its entrance (generally between 6-12 months), you can book an appointment! We understand that it may feel relatively young, but that first dental appointment can pave the path for a future of good oral health. It's also beneficial to introduce your child to the dentist at a young age to help combat dental anxiety in the future. We can assure you our staff takes every step to keep your child comfortable and happy during their appointments.
We offer several different types of sedation for all ages:
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is a common choice of sedation for our younger patients. It's a safe and effective way to manage anxiety during the procedure, and its effects diminish quickly afterward while avoiding any drowsiness.
For children experiencing dental anxiety, we may recommend oral moderate sedation. This is a slightly higher level of sedation, which involves taking a small dosage of medication ahead of the procedure. The patient will have very little to no awareness during the procedure, and it can be customized to different anxiety levels. It's one of our most popular options for all ages.
Lastly, we also offer general IV sedation, which is administered by a certified medical anesthesiologist. This is the same sedation that is commonly used for other medical and surgical procedures that require the patient to be completely unconscious.
Depending on the type of sedation used will impact the aftereffects. The effects of nitrous oxide will wear off after a few minutes. In contrast, oral sedation or general IV sedation may take several hours.
No. The main benefit of sedation dentistry is that it prevents patients from feeling pain during the procedure. Depending on the type of procedure, your child may experience soreness or minor aches after the sedation wears off. However, this pain will subside quickly and can be handled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
If a patient is undergoing general IV anesthesia, we ask that patients avoid eating about six hours prior to the appointment. With nitrous oxide, we also recommend avoiding large meals 2-3 hours before the procedure, as it can cause nausea. Our dentists will also provide pre- and post-op instructions to help you and your child prepare for the appointment.
Sedation dentistry isn't just an excellent option for children, teens, and adults—it can also benefit our older patients! As we age, our teeth naturally begin to show signs of wear and age. Tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, and other oral health problems can arise more quickly and are common issues we treat in older adults.
If you have a family member who is nervous about a necessary dental procedure, sedation dentistry can help. As mentioned above, we consider our patient's health and medical history before recommending sedation, but in many cases, it is a safe and preferable option to ensure a healthy mouth at any age.
Whether you're bringing your child in for their first appointment, are scheduling a procedure for an elder family member, or want to explore sedation dentistry options or yourself, reach out to us today. Our Midlothian Family Dentistry team wants to remove the fear and anxiety from your next dental visit. Set up an appointment and allow us to help find the right sedation solution for you!
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