Conscious Sedation Dentistry – Trendsetting Ways in Pediatric Dentistry In the US

As medical professionals and worldwide health organizations agree, early dental care is essential to promoting lifelong oral health. Likewise, the team at Sacramento Natural Dentistry knows that early dental care can make or break a positive attitude toward dentistry, especially in the case of children’s dentistry. Let’s look at how conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry can help instill confidence in your child to know that dentistry is not something to fear.

What Is Conscious Sedation Dentistry?

Conscious sedation is a term that is used by medical professionals that classifies the types of sedation that are sometimes more commonly referred to as:

• Sleep dentistry
• Twilight sleep
• Happy gas
• Laughing gas
• Happy air

As you can see from the above list, conscious sedation dentistry has many different names. One thing that each of these naming conventions has in common is that they are not included in the class of general anesthesia since they do not invoke a deep sleep.

Is It Advisable to Sedate Children for Dental Work?

Much of the answer to this question will depend on the child’s current and previous health history. As you might imagine, doctors consider many variables before recommending treatment. However, if the question is “Is it safe to sedate children for dental work,” the answer is yes.

How Safe is Conscious Sedation Dentistry for Kids?

Medical professionals and worldwide health organizations agree that conscious sedation in children’s dentistry is safe, dependent on the child’s current and previous health history. When you visit us for pediatric dentistry in Sacramento with your child, our dentist and care team will perform a health assessment ahead of all conscious sedation procedures.

What is the Difference Between Conscious Sedation and General Anesthesia?

Conscious sedation differs from general anesthesia in two unique ways:

• Patients, including children, are awake and able to communicate with the doctor and staff during conscious sedation versus an almost entirely unconscious state with general anesthesia.
• Patients, including children, regain their whole state of awareness shortly after conscious sedation versus general anesthesia, which can often take several hours.

There are other differences, such as the administration of sedation and how much will be needed. Still, these are answers that our dentist will discuss with every patient, parent, or guardian ahead of any sedation. This pre-procedure conversation is also a great time to ask specific questions, such as whether or not your child would benefit more from conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

What Are the Types of Sedatives Used in Conscious Sedation Dentistry?

Each dental practice will be unique as to the types of sedatives they elect to use in their office for conscious sedation, so this is a great question to ask our dentist during your consultation. That said, here’s a sample of the most commonly used sedatives in general dentistry:

• Nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture
• Benzodiazepines
• Chloral hydrate
• Ketamine
• Propofol
• Sevoflurane
• Promethazine
• Hydroxyzine
• Dexmedetomidine

If you are concerned about using a particular sedative used during any procedure we perform at Sacramento Natural Dentistry, please make sure to let us know. In almost all cases, Dr. Azouz can find a substitute.

Why Should I Choose Your Practice for My Child’s Conscious Sedation Dentistry?

Our dentist in Citrus Height, CA, and his team have extensive training in various specialties to ensure each patient receives top-notch care in adult, teen, and children’s dentistry. Additionally, our doctor and team members have completed extensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry training, making our practice an ideal one-stop dental clinic for everyone in your family.

Because we are a holistic practice, we utilize an integrative approach when treating patients so treatment can benefit their smiles and their health. One example of an integrative approach we use is to help young patients grow into adults with healthy, happy, and beautiful smiles. Whether that treatment involves the use of conscious sedation dentistry is a topic that we’re delighted to discuss during your consultation.