Could Oral Conscious Sedation Help My Child?

Regular checkups and cleanings are essential to maintaining excellent oral health, but some children may have difficulty remaining calm and still in the dentist’s chair. Thankfully, oral conscious sedation can help an anxious or antsy child relax so they can receive essential oral health treatments safely and comfortably. Here’s a quick look at how oral conscious sedation works and how it may be able to help your child.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

For oral conscious sedation, your family dentist will prescribe your child a small sedative pill to be taken before their next dental appointment. Your child will need to swallow it a few minutes before arriving at our office, and it will soon induce a sense of calm while reducing your little one’s sensitivity to pain. If the pill is taken as instructed, your kid should be in a relaxed and sedated state when it is time for their checkup or treatment, and your dentist’s staff will monitor their vital signs throughout the procedure to make sure they are safe.

After your child’s procedure, it will probably be several hours before the effects of the sedative wear off completely. During this time, it is important to monitor your child to ensure their safety. The effects may last a few hours or until after your child has a good night’s sleep.

Can Oral Conscious Sedation Help My Child?

Oral conscious sedation may be an excellent way to help your child receive necessary oral healthcare if they deal with:

• Anxiety about seeing their dentist
• Excessive dental sensitivity
• Sensory sensitivity
• Difficulty sitting still
• Memories of negative experiences at dental offices in the past
• An unusually strong gag reflex
• Health conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy that can make oral health treatments difficult

Don’t let your child’s oral health suffer because they have difficulty sitting through their dentist’s appointments. Oral conscious sedation may be an excellent way to help them keep their smile gorgeous and healthy.

About the Author

Dr. John Kuan earned his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and regularly participates in continuing education coursework to keep his skills sharp and current. His office in Royse City offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for kids and adults as well as sedation services. If you are interested in how oral conscious sedation may be able to help your child receive necessary oral health treatments, contact his office online or dial (469) 723-4000.