Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 6 minutes
Imagine your child’s dental appointments being a stress-free, even enjoyable experience. That’s the power of sedation dentistry. By gently calming your child’s nerves, sedation allows for complex procedures to be completed with ease, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the common side effects of dental sedation and what parents can expect during and after their child’s dental appointment.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
After dental sedation, you can expect your child to experience some mild side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or light-headedness, depending on the sedation method used. These effects are usually short-lived, and with a little rest, your child will soon be back to their cheerful self.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful option to help children who might feel nervous or anxious about their dental visits. It involves using sedative medication to relax your child during dental procedures, ensuring they have a positive experience.
Whether your child needs help managing dental anxiety, has sensitive teeth, or requires more complex procedures, sedation can make the process much smoother for both of you.
Nitrous Oxide: A Gentle Calming Cloud
Imagine your child floating on a soft, comforting cloud. That’s how nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, feels. At Youth Dental, we use nitrous oxide to help children feel calm during their dental appointments.
When your child breathes in nitrous oxide through a small mask over their nose, they’ll start to feel a warm, tingling sensation. This light sedation will help them feel relaxed and maybe even a little giggly, while still being fully awake and aware of their surroundings.
Potential Side Effects
Nitrous oxide is very gentle and wears off almost immediately, but there are a few minor side effects you might notice. Rest assured, these feelings usually pass within a couple of hours, and your child can quickly return to their normal activities.
- Your child may feel a little light-headed.
- They might experience mild nausea or a slight headache.
Oral Conscious Sedation: A Tranquil Resting State
For children who need a bit more help staying calm, oral conscious sedation is a great option. This form of sedation is like a cozy blanket that helps your child drift into a peaceful, relaxed state without completely falling asleep.
Your child will take a liquid sedative before their appointment, which will make them feel very drowsy and calm. They might even feel a little dreamy, almost like they’re about to take a nap. Your child will still be able to respond to simple questions and instructions.
Potential Side Effects
Oral conscious sedation is safe, but you might notice some mild side effects afterward:
- Your child could feel groggy or a bit unsteady on their feet for a few hours.
- They might have a dry mouth or feel a little dizzy.
- Plan for a relaxing day at home so your child can rest and recover comfortably.
IV Sedation: A Deep Relaxation
Sometimes, children need a deeper level of relaxation, especially for more complex procedures. IV sedation provides this by delivering a sedative directly into your child’s bloodstream, allowing them to achieve a deep, peaceful state.
With IV sedation, your child will feel like they’re drifting into a deep, restful sleep. They might not remember much about the procedure, which can be a blessing for more anxious little ones. Throughout the entire process, we’ll monitor your child’s vital signs to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.
Potential Side Effects
After IV sedation, it’s normal to see some moderate side effects:
- Your child may feel quite drowsy and need some extra rest till the end of the day.
- There could be minor bruising where the IV was placed.
- Some children may feel a bit nauseous, but this usually passes within 24 hours.
General Anesthesia: Total Comfort for Complex Procedures
For particularly complex dental treatments, or for children who have a very high level of dental anxiety, general anesthesia can provide the deepest level of sedation. This method ensures your child is completely asleep and unaware during the procedure.
Under general anesthesia, your child will be in a state of deep, restful sleep. They won’t feel or remember anything about the procedure, making it ideal for more invasive treatments.
Potential Side Effects
After waking up from general anesthesia, your child may experience side effects such as:
- Nausea and vomiting are common but typically short-lived.
- A sore throat from the breathing tube used during the procedure.
- Fatigue or grogginess that may last a day or two. It’s important to allow your child plenty of time to rest and recover.
| 🚨Reminder To ensure that the sedation process goes as smoothly as possible, it’s important to inform the dentist about any medical history or issues your child may have. This includes:Allergies to medications: Let them know if your child has any known allergies, especially to sedatives or anesthesia.Chronic health conditions: Inform the dentist of any ongoing health issues that could affect sedation.Previous reactions to sedation: Share any past experiences with sedation that might provide useful insights. |
Preparing Your Child for Sedation
To help make the experience as smooth as possible, here are some tips on how to prepare your child for their sedation.
Before the Appointment
- Talk to your child: Use simple, reassuring language to explain what will happen. Let them know they’ll be in good hands. Avoid words like “needles” or “pain”.
- Follow pre-sedation instructions: Depending on the type of sedation, your child may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the appointment.
On the Day of the Appointment
- Bring comfort items: A favorite toy or blanket can help your child feel secure.
- Arrive early: Giving your child time to settle in can help ease any last-minute nerves.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During the Procedure
While your child is under sedation, we’ll carefully monitor their vital signs to ensure they remain safe and comfortable. Whether they’re lightly sedated with nitrous oxide or fully asleep under general anesthesia, our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care.
After the Procedure
- Observation: We’ll keep your child under observation until they’re awake and alert.
- Post-sedation care: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your child at home, including what to expect during the recovery period.
Recovery Time from Sedation
Recovery times will vary depending on the level of sedation used:
- Minimal sedation (nitrous oxide): Your child will recover quickly, often feeling back to normal within a couple of hours.
- Moderate sedation (oral sedatives, IV sedation): Your child may feel drowsy for a few hours post-procedure. Encourage them to rest and stay hydrated.
- Deep sedation (general anesthesia): Full recovery may take a day or two. Monitor your child closely for any lingering sedative effects, such as nausea or dizziness.
Kids Sedation Dentistry in Denver, CO
Your child’s comfort and well-being are what matter most. Sedation dentistry at Youth Dental is designed to make their dental experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
With various sedation options available, from the gentle calm of nitrous oxide to the deep relaxation of general anesthesia, we’re here to ensure your little one leaves our office with a smile on their face and a spring in their step!
If you are searching for a sedation dentist for kids or sedation dentistry in Denver, CO we can help! We have four locations to service you better! Call (303) 953-8801 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
