It is not uncommon for children to feel anxious about dental appointments. However, this fear should not be a hindrance to maintaining good oral health, especially during their formative years. Fortunately, you can take them to the Pediatric Dentistry in Carlsbad.
Pediatric dentists receive additional training so that they can handle young children. They are well aware of the turmoil that both parents and children feel when coming in for a consultation. Thus, they ensure that both you and your child feel comfortable.
For certain procedures, your Kids Dentist in Carlsbad might recommend some form of sedative. Understandably you and your kid might feel a little anxious about it but knowing beforehand about the options available to you can help you in easing your mind.
Essentially, the sedative is administered depending on the level of sedation required. The following are the levels of sedation:
In this level, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used. It is mixed with oxygen and provided through a breathing mask. It is a non-invasive form of sedation. Thus, as soon as your child stops inhaling nitrous oxide, it will leave their system and they will easily return to normality. It doesn’t induce sleep but it helps your kid in feeling relaxed.
At this level, drugs that are administered orally are used. Although the movements and coordination of your child might be affected, they will be able to remain awake and be able to hold normal conversations. Since respiratory functioning and cardiovascular reflexes are not affected at all, this level does not require any monitoring or extra oxygen mask.
At this level, your child may feel a little drowsy and may respond incoherently to verbal communication. They tend to remain sleepy even after the procedure and most kids don’t even remember the procedure. This level of sedation is also easily reversible and overall other bodily functions remain unaffected.
This level of sedation is induced using intravenous drugs and hence your child essentially falls asleep during the procedure. They might display some movement or respond to pain a little but otherwise, they will be in a deep sleep. Recovery requires some time and children are unlikely to remember anything that happened during the procedure.
Sometimes other functions can also be impaired because of these drugs and hence, another qualified person along with your Carlsbad orthodontist will also be present so that the patient can be monitored throughout the procedure.
This level is your general anesthetic. This is also administered through intravenous drugs. During this level, your child will be completely asleep and will not respond to any kind of stimulation. They will also not remember any part of the procedure and will remain drowsy after the procedure.
Naturally, this level requires the expertise of an anesthetist. Recovery time is also longer than the other levels. They might also need assistance in breathing during the procedure.
Sedation is not required for all kinds of procedures. There are some procedures in which it is simply unavoidable. You will need to discuss the appropriate level of sedation required with your dentist or Orthodontist in Carlsbad.
Sedation is quite a safe and common practice when it comes to dental procedures, so you don’t need to worry too much. Following the dentist’s instructions will help in ensuring the procedure is carried out smoothly.