We recognize that some of our young patients may feel anxious or apprehensive about receiving dental care. Our doctor and staff work hard to make sure that your child has a comfortable, positive experience, and that's why we are pleased to offer IV sedation dentistry for those patients needing a little extra comfort before receiving treatment. Feeling anxious about receiving dental care should never prevent having a beautiful, healthy smile.
How IV sedation dentistry works
We work with a pediatric medical anesthesiologist to provide the safest, standard of care procedure for your child. The doctor will evaluate your child's medical history and perform a physical assessment prior to the procedure. Once your child is cleared for treatment, they will bring the child back to the operatory to begin the procedure.
The doctor will gently place an IV and administer medication to help your child into a deeper state of relaxation. Once treatment is complete, your child will wake up feeling refreshed, with little or no memory of the appointment and a beautiful new smile. Using sedation dentistry, we are able to complete many different procedures in just one office visit.
Common questions about IV sedation dentistry
- Who is pediatric anesthesiologist?
A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has completed 4 years of college, then 4 years of medical school, followed by 4-5 years of training in anesthesiology including specialty training in pediatric (infants and children) anesthesiology. This typically includes more than 12,000 hours of clinical training. Our anesthesiologists receive some of the highest level of training available, so you can be assured your child receives the safest care.
- How safe is anesthesia for my child?
Modern anesthesia has never been safer. Our nurses will collect your child’s medical history and it will be reviewed carefully by our doctors. You may be referred to a hospital or surgery center if your child is in a higher risk category.
In the United States, more than 1 million children under the age of four, undergo surgical procedures requiring anesthesia. Young children usually do not undergo anesthesia unless it is medically necessary, if the procedure is postponed it can lead to significant health problems. For more information visit www.smarttots.org.
It is essential that your child does not eat or have any dairy products six hours prior to the procedure. Clear liquids (water, gatorade, jello, popsicles) are allowed up to three hours prior to the procedure.
NOTHING BY MOUTH FOR 3 HOURS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE
This is a safety issue and can result in postponing your child’s dental procedure if not followed correctly. Please call the office if you have any questions regarding these directions.
Plan to stay at home with your child the rest of the day; they will be able to go back to their normal daily routine the following day.
- What should I expect on the day of the procedure?
Your child will be monitored with the same type of equipment and level of intensity that is used for general anesthesia in the hospital. An IV will be placed after your child is asleep with either flavored sleepy air or a twilight medication injection. Pulse oximeter, blood pressure, EKG, and breathing monitors will be utilized.
We recommend you do not tell your child about the IV, in our experience this only increases their anxiety and may make them more resistant. We like to make it a fun experience for your child to make future dental visits go smoothly.
You will not be able to come in the room while your child is being sedated. This is solely for your child’s safety. Our doctors will be accompanied with a medical team who will be caring for your child.
- Is my child a good candidate for IV sedation dentistry?
Any patients who experience dental anxiety are good candidates for IV sedation dentistry. If your child has any of the following fears or concerns, ask your doctor about IV sedation dentistry as an option for his or her next dental treatment:
- Extreme dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist
- Past traumatic dental experience
- Sensory processing challenges
- Has overly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or trouble getting numb
- Requires a more complex dental treatment
- Wishes to have a more comfortable dental treatment
If you feel that your child could benefit from IV sedation dentistry, please contact us and let us know how we can better accommodate your family’s needs.