Preparing Your Child for Pediatric Sedation and Anesthesia

Helpful Steps to Prepare Your Child for Pediatric Sedation and Anesthesia

Thinking about your child having a procedure that requires pediatric sedation and anesthesia can be intimidating. You may wonder how safe the process is, or if there are short or long term effects. Although having concerns is to be expected, pediatric sedation and anesthesia when administered professionally in a clinical dentistry setting is not only safe, but can help put you and your child at ease by eliminating pain and anxiety.

How Does Pediatric Sedation and Anesthesia Work?

Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” is the most commonly used pediatric anesthesia used during a dental procedure. Comprised of oxygen and nitrous oxide gases, nitrous oxide reduces anxiety and encourages relaxation. This will not put your child to sleep.

Some children can benefit from an added sedative. This is referred to as “oral conscious sedation,” which can increase the feeling of ease and comfort during a dental procedure. Like nitrous oxide, however, oral conscious sedation allows children to interact with a pediatric dentist and staff during the procedure.

Helpful Steps to Prepare Your Child for Pediatric Sedation and Anesthesia

Helping you to understand the process of pediatric sedation and anesthesia for your child’s dental treatment can in turn empower you to helpease any anxiety your child might have. Here are some quick facts regarding the process:

• Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over your child’s nose
• As your child inhales the gas, he/she will begin to relax
• Most children will feel happy, quiet, and comfortable

Aside from your child feeling slightly groggy or sleepy following a dental treatment, there are no long-term side effects resulting from the use of nitrous oxide during pediatric sedation and anesthesia.

There are several steps you can take to help eliminate any fear or anxiety your child has about his/her dental treatment:

• Encourage your child to ask any questions or express any concerns he/she has
• Remind your child that he/she will not be alone during the treatment at any time
• Reiterate that you and the dentistry staff will do everything necessary to ensure the comfort of your child

Ensuring Comfort and Comprehensive Care, Including Children with Special Needs

At Kangaroo Smiles we have a trained, experienced and compassionate staff who specialize in dental care for children of all ages and circumstances. Do you have a child with special needs? Dr. Mona and her team are experts in providing optimum care for each child who enters our dentistry – from pediatric sedation and anesthesia to dental cleanings and more.

If you’d like to learn more about pediatric sedation and anesthesia or other services we offer through Kangaroo Smiles, please contact us at 978-757-2210.

Stay tuned for the opening of our 2nd office: 413 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 (currently under construction).