Tag Archives: sedation dentistry for children

Sedation Dentistry

Can I stay with my daughter during a sedation dentistry appointment?

My pre-school aged daughter has a significant-sized cavity on one of her back molars. Her dentist suggested using Nitrous oxide to sedate her, in order to place a filling. On the day of the appointment, I was told I could not go into the room with her for the procedure. She is three! Furthermore, in those three years, she has never been sedated. When I questioned this, I was told it was office policy and there was no way around it. Therefore, I canceled her appointment. Is this a common policy? It seems ludicrous for a parent not to be allowed to accompany a three-year-old for a dental procedure, especially one which involves sedation.

Thank you,
Mindi

Dear Mindi,
The presence of a parent during a dental procedure is really the choice of the provider. Oftentimes, the nervousness or fear that a parent is experiencing during a dental procedure is very obvious to the child, and, therefore, wears off on the child. Parents may say things like, “squeeze Mommy’s hand if you’re scared, or if it hurts, ” thus, letting the child know that being scared of feeling pain is an option, when they otherwise may not know this. Sometimes, it is easier for everyone if the only person the child has to focus on is the dentist. This also allows the dentist to give your child and the procedure he or she is performing their sole focus, as opposed to focusing on the procedure, the patient, and you. Sedation dentistry is not any different than a medical procedure. If you were to take your child into a hospital for a surgical procedure, you would not be allowed in the operating room with him or her. This seems to be a policy that many dental providers have also adopted. Though, I am sure you can find a provider who will allow you into the procedure room with your child if you look further.

This post was written by the office of Gilbert sedation dentist, Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

General Anesthesia for Cavities?

I’m so worried right now. My two-year-old has two really large cavities. My dentist said it’s because I breastfeed her at night. I was curious about that because my pediatrician told me it was the best thing for her, even her teeth. But, now the dentist tells me she needs two possible crowns. He doesn’t think she’ll be able to do it so he’s suggesting general anesthesia. I can’t fathom it would be safe to do in a dental office. I don’t guess I can just leave them, but I don’t want to put her at risk.

Emily

Dear Emily,

It’s completely normal for you to be concerned about your child’s safety. I want to address a few things you brought up to bring you some peace of mind. First, is the cause of her cavities. I think either your pediatric dentist didn’t communicate well or you misunderstood what he meant. Breastfeeding does NOT cause cavities. Your pediatrician is right, breastfeeding is better all around for your daughter, including her teeth.

What he likely was trying to convey is that letting your child fall asleep breastfeeding (or bottlefeeding) is bad for their teeth. That’s because they stop sucking fully and the milk pools around their teeth.

Another issue would be how effectively you’re brushing her teeth. She’s too young to do it well herself even if she insists, as some children do. In addition to the two issues mentioned above, genetics play a factor. Though, the size of your daughter’s cavities means some extra brushing needs to be done.

Dental Sedation versus General Anesthesia

Your dentist likely isn’t doing general anesthesia in his office. It would more likely be done in a hospital with a full complement of caregivers, just like with general surgery. Surgery is routinely done on children while under general anesthesia and though there are risks with everything, is considered quite safe.

Dental sedation is different and would be suggested if your daughter was a little older. It is done in the dentist’s office. This is very effective with slightly older children. They will generally fall asleep but they’re not unconscious.

Either way, make sure someone will be monitoring your child’s vital signs all the way through the procedure.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Child scared of the dentist

My nine year old daughter had a bad experience at the dentist last year. Since then, she hasn’t wanted to go.  In fact, she’s terrified.  Is there a way to help children with this?

Elaine D. –  South Dakota

Elaine,

What will help her the most is a series of good experiences at the dentist, but I realize you have to get her there calmly first.  There is sedation dentistry. It is safe for children.

There are different levels of sedation: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation,  and IV sedation.  I would discuss what is going on with your dentist and decide which option is better. If he’s not compassionate with your daughter’s fear, then you need to find a different dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.