MODERATE (CONSCIOUS) SEDATION
Children's Dental Moderate Sedation in Ohio
What is moderate (conscious) sedation?
Moderate (conscious) sedation is a medication-induced depressed level of consciousness designed to minimize discomfort and anxiety in children undergoing dental procedures. This type of sedation will put your child into a state of deep relaxation so they can receive the dental care they need comfortably and safely.
Your child will typically remain responsive throughout the procedure. However, if they fall asleep (that is ok) they can be easily woken.
Moderate (conscious) sedation can help your child overcome their fear of the dentist and reduce anxiety regarding future visits. Parents are always welcome to accompany their child throughout this appointment.
How does moderate (conscious) sedation work?
Moderate (conscious) sedation medications are given to your child in our office. Our dedicated children's dentists will determine which medications are appropriate for your child and they will be administered orally.
After waiting in a special calm room for the medications to have their desired effects, your child will be brought to a treatment room where their dental care will be safely completed. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during the treatment.
Because of the lingering effects of these medications, your child will not be able to return to school or daycare the day of this appointment and will need to be monitored closely after returning home.
Moderate (conscious) sedation can help your child overcome their fear of the dentist!
At Ohio Kids Dental we are dedicated to helping your child maintain a healthy smile. To schedule an appointment for your child with one of our specialized kids dentists or to learn more about sedation dentistry, please click HERE or give us a call.
Related FAQs
Of course! Not only do we allow parents to stay with their kids during exams and most treatments, we encourage it. We have found that having a parent stay with their child lessens the anxiety for both the child, as well as the parent. Younger patients will often lay in their parent's lap during the exam to provide the most soothing experience.
Also, being with your child during their dental appointment allows the dentist and parent to discuss their child's dental health and provide realtime feedback and tips.
The only exception is during General Anesthesia. Parents are able to be with their child when they fall asleep and wake up, but not during treatment. The treatment room is small and with the dentist, dental assistant and the anesthesiologist, the room is just too crowded to provide the safest environment for your child. During this time, you are asked to wait in the lobby. The office staff will bring you updates during treatment.
Moderate (conscious) sedation can help an anxious or fearful child relax during their dental treatment. Your child will drink a liquid medication in the office and wait 30-60 minutes for it to take effect. During this time, you will wait with your child in our waiting area. When your child is brought to their treatment room, they will receive a combination of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen to help them further relax. Conscious sedation is not intended to make a child fall completely asleep, but some children fall asleep secondary to being relaxed. They are easily arousable at any point during the procedure.
During a moderate (conscious) sedation appointment your child’s vital signs are monitored at all times. This includes their oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart rate. A member of our team is always present with your child during your child’s moderate (conscious) sedation appointment.
Your child will feel the lingering effects of the medications for up to 6 or 7 hours. During this time your child will need to be under the direct supervision of you or another adult. They cannot go to school or daycare. They may feel groggy or tired and want to take a nap for several hours. This is normal but be sure to wake them every 45-60 minutes to give them fluids.
They may eat after the appointment, but we recommend starting with clear liquids followed by soft foods such as Jell-O or applesauce. Greasy foods and dairy products (milk, yogurt, ice cream) should be avoided immediately following the procedure, as they may cause them to feel sick to their stomach. A good rule of thumb is to avoid any foods that have ever given you heartburn.
If your child is scheduled for a moderate (conscious) sedation or general anesthesia appointment they must fast prior to the appointment according to these guidelines:
- They may have a full meal up to 8 hours prior to the procedure.
- They may have non-human milk, formula or a light meal (such as toast) up to 6 hours prior to the procedure.
- They may have breastmilk up to 4 hours prior to the procedure.
- They may have clear liquids (liquids you can see through) up to 2 hours prior to the procedure.
For your child’s safety their appointment will be canceled if they have not followed these guidelines.
If your child has received local anesthesia to complete their dental work their lips, cheeks, and tongue will remain anesthetized (numb) for a few hours following their appointment. Because they cannot feel these areas, sometimes children will accidentally bite them which causes them to swell. It is very important to monitor your child closely after their dental appointment and remind them not to suck, bite or chew on their lips, cheeks or tongue. Cold liquids, ice packs, or frozen treats (popsicles) will help provide pain relief if this occurs. If your child has any swelling following their dental appointment, please contact our office so it can be evaluated.