Types of Sedation for Children

Many parents worry about the idea of their children being sedated during dental treatment. However, there are many different types of sedation to choose from and knowing about your options can help relieve some of the anxiety you feel. The type of sedation generally depends on the procedure, but here are the most common types you can expect:

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Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide

This is the lowest level of sedation possible and is non-invasive. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen before administration and usually involves wearing a small breathing mask. While this doesn't put children to sleep, it helps with nervousness and allows them to relax, making for a calmer appointment.

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Mild Sedation

This type of sedation also doesn't put children to sleep. They will be able to talk but their movement may be impaired for a period of time. This is usually administered through oral medication and isn't very invasive.

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Moderate Sedation

With this type of sedation, your child will still be able to speak, but won't be able to do so clearly. The sedation makes the child sleepy, which continues after the procedure is over. However, it passes relatively quickly and has the benefit of children generally not remembering the procedure.

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Deep Sedation

This involves the child fully sleeping and is administered through intravenous drugs. While this is invasive, the child will not remember the procedure and will recover in some time. It should be noted that the recovery period is longer than in moderate sedation.

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General Anesthesia

This is the most powerful form of sedation and also involves intravenous drugs. Because general anesthesia results in your child sleeping, they will not feel any pain. This type of sedation is not only invasive but involves being monitored by an experienced anesthetist and longer recovery. In certain cases, the child may require assistance with breathing when under general anesthesia.While dental sedation may seem like a scary option when it comes to children, rest assured that it is perfectly safe. At Treehouse Children's Dentistry, and are experienced in pediatric dentistry, and are ready to answer any and all sedation-related questions you may have.