When your child has a bad toothache, you want nothing more than for their pain to stop so they can be happy again. And if they are afraid of the dentist thinking it will hurt, they’re less likely to go. You can help your child get the best dental treatment in Houston pain free with kids sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a method of using oral, inhaled, or injected sedatives to reduce pain and calm patients. Sedation comes in the from of a swallowed pill, an inhaled gas, or an IV of stronger sedatives.

Oral Sedation – For patients who feel little discomfort, oral sedation is often enough. Your child may take a light pain medication like Advil or Tylenol before their procedure. Sometimes, the dentist will prescribe a much stronger dose instead.

Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide is a gas that reduces sensation and calms a patient’s nerves. The gas, which has higher concentrations of nitrogen, makes the patient feel at ease. This gas is continually monitored throughout a procedure. This is the most commonly used sedative for kids sedation dentistry.

IV Sedative – For more involved procedures, an IV sedative, or a gas and IV sedative, reduces pain and brings the patient to the edge of sleep. This sedative is also continually monitored while the procedure is in progress.

Why Get Kids Sedation Dentistry?

Children often don’t have the same pain tolerance that adults have. Other times, they are just more likely to fidget. Kids sedation dentistry addresses both of these issues.

The sedation used for kids is just as safe as when it is used for adults. However,  dentists must receive greater certifications to be able to use sedation with children. This means a pediatric dentist takes even greater care when using sedation.

Whether a young patient is afraid of pain or won’t sit still, kids sedation dentistry keeps them calm, still, and free of pain. The dentist is able to complete more work in a shorter amount of time, so your child can go home sooner.