If your child is anxious or afraid when they visit the dentist, it can make the appointment challenging. Fortunately, there are various interventions your dentist can recommend to help keep your child calm during their treatment so that their experience can be more positive. For example, pediatric sedation dentistry can help eliminate anxiousness to help ensure a smoother and safer experience. Here are some benefits of pediatric sedation dentistry and the different types of dental sedation treatment options that are available for children. 

Benefits Of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry 

During dental procedures, especially complicated or lengthy procedures, it may be difficult for children to sit quietly and calmly in the chair. Not only can this lead to undue anxiety for the child, but it can also hamper the dentist's ability to perform the procedure as effectively as possible. The most important benefit of pediatric sedation for dental procedures is that it has the ability to provide comfort and relaxation so that the dental staff can perform their treatments without upsetting the child.

Pediatric sedation dentistry also provides for better patient cooperation during dental procedures which can help decrease your child's urge to squirm in the chair and minimize discomfort. This enables the dental team to perform the procedure without being interrupted, which is safer and more effective. This is especially important for young patients who need extensive dental treatment such as extractions. 

Types Of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry 

Before your dentist administers the sedation medication to your child, they will discuss the various options with you and determine which type is most appropriate for your child's specific needs. Different types of sedation include minimal, moderate, and deep dental sedation.

Minimal dental sedation requires the use of inhalant medication known as nitrous oxide. Patients who receive nitrous oxide remain conscious, however, they are relaxed. Moderate dental sedation is typically administered via the intravenous route or orally. Moderate dental sedation induces more pronounced relaxation than minimal sedation. Deep sedation is often used for longer or more complicated dental procedures. If your child receives deep sedation, they will be asleep during their procedure. 

If your child expresses anxiety or fear because of an upcoming dental procedure, talk to their dentist to determine if pediatric sedation dentistry might be appropriate for them. By decreasing anxiety and promoting comfort, your child will be able to cope better with their treatment which may result in a more favorable outcome.