Oral Conscious (or moderate) Sedation: What parents should know about sedation

Our office is unique in that we offer oral sedation for our patients to help them through dental treatment!

What is sedation?

• Sedation is the process of using a medication to help make your child more relaxed, drowsy, and may induce a light sleep. Sedation may not always reduce mild or moderate anxiety for children. In some cases, sedative medications can cause children to become hyperactive, restless, or disruptive.
• The medication is given in our office by one of our dentists.

Why do dentists use sedation to treat children for their dental needs?

• Sedation medications are intended to help children relax and may make them drowsy so the child can better tolerate dental procedures than if fully awake without the medicine.
• Help children who may be too young to understand dental treatment or for those whom understand but have a difficult time coping with dental treatment.

Is conscious sedation dangerous?

• We use low to medium doses of sedation medications. These medications have been proven to provide both save and effective sedation for children.
• We make every attempt to keep children as comfortable as possible, continually monitoring their heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen content.
• Our dentists will only recommend sedation if they feel it would be beneficial and safe for your child.
• Our dentists and staff are certified for sedation and go through safety training.

How do you talk to your child about sedation?

• Be honest with your child if he or she asks. We want to provide a positive experience for your child.
• We often describe sedation to children as medicine to help them be brave at the dentist.

If you have additional questions about sedation, please contact our office and speak to one of the dentists.