Sedation DentistrySuffolk, VA

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to any dental procedure involving the administration of sedatives generally used to relax patients for dental treatment. Certain sedation methods in pediatric care help manage special health needs or anxiety many children face. Sedatives used in pediatrics are mild and gradually calming, allowing a child to stay still for safer, more comfortable treatments.

Increased use of sedation on children in its many forms is largely due to the extensive research done to improve safety and quality. An article in The Journal of Sedation and Anesthesiology in Dentistry found that “over 70% of board-certified US pediatric dentists use some form of sedation in their offices.” The type of sedation administered depends on the treatment, any health-related conditions, and the child’s sensitivity.

Nitrous Sedation and General Anesthesia

The use of nitrous sedation and general anesthesia in clinically appropriate dosage enables a child to be appropriately sedated so they can get the care they need. At Fun Park Pediatric, Dr. Somefun may request a medical consult with the child's pediatrician prior to a sedation appointment.

Safety Measures

Sedation methods have been used in pediatric dentistry for several decades with ongoing research and development. Updated standards and procedures guarantee dentists adhere to proper safety measures and are continually up-to-date. According to the National Institutes of Health, “Implementation of high fidelity simulation training and improvements in patient monitoring, including end-tidal carbon dioxide, are becoming recognized as a new standard for sedated patients in dental offices and health care facilities. Safe and appropriate case selection and appropriate dosing for children is paramount.” Trained dentists and anesthesiologists must go through mandatory training when new sedation implications are found and implement them in their practice.

Sedation dosage is dependent on the child’s BMI, age, type of procedure, and medical history. Pediatric dentists administer the lowest possible amount needed for the specified treatment when working with young children. Parents are well-informed of sedation methods and dosages prior to treatment.

Post-Treatment Instructions

Many sedative treatments leave the patient feeling numb and drowsy for a few hours after leaving the office. Children need to be monitored by their parent post -treatment for at least six hours.

Give Us a Call Today

Sedation dentistry is provided at Fun Park Pediatric in a safe and closely monitored environment. Our team looks forward to treating your child and making their visit as pain-free as possible. Call our office at (757) 767-2767to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Will my child feel anything after the treatment?

Post-treatment pain varies from patient to patient and depends largely on the type of procedure. In most cases there is little or any post -treatment discomfort.

How long does it take for sedation to wear off?

Wear off time depends on the sedation method, dosage, and the patient’s tolerance. Local anesthesia wears off after 1-4 hours, most sedative medications are metabolized after six hours

What if my child continues to feel sick a few hours after sedation?

After a treatment, we will discuss all of the information needed to adhere to at home and the estimated duration of the sedative’s acting agents.

Does sedation impair focus and memory?

Sedatives may cause children to forget what happened or where they were after administered medication. This is referred to as retrograde amnesia and it assist in children not harboring unpleasant memories

How can sedation relieve dental anxiety?

Sedation is appropriate for children with mild to moderate dental anxiety and in carefully selected cases is effective in relieving dental anxiety. Not all patients with dental anxiety are candidates for sedation