If you are one of the many patients who benefit from sedation dentistry during oral surgery, you may wonder if it is safe for your kids. Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage believes dental sedation is appropriate for most children undergoing a tooth extraction or jaw surgery. Here, they explain more about how it is performed, what types are available, and why it is helpful for some little ones. 

Kids’ Sedation Dentistry Guide 

How Sedation Works 

Oral surgeons use sedation dentistry for kids who need dental surgery. It is offered orally, intravenously, and through the use of nitrous oxide. No matter what type your child receives, it will be administered shortly after they arrive at the appointment.

Nitrous oxide is administered by mask. If your child receives this type of sedation during the surgery, they will then receive pure oxygen once the procedure is complete to flush out lingering traces of the compound. No matter what type your child gets, the oral surgeon will carefully monitor their blood pressure, blood oxygen level, heart rate, and temperature throughout the entire treatment. 

How Sedation Helps Kids 

Sedation dentistry will allow your child to fully relax, which makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the procedure safely and successfully. With nitrous oxide and oral anesthesia, your child will stay awake but feel calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide may even give kids a euphoric feeling. Just a few minutes of treatment with this gas will last for the duration of the procedure.

Dental sedation is ideal for small children who do not understand the treatment they are to receive. It is also an excellent tool for kids who are anxious or get nervous before seeing an oral surgeon. When the process is over, your child may realize the surgery was not as bad as they imagined. 

No matter what kind of treatment your child needs, there is a way to keep them calm and happy. Talk to an oral surgery professional about sedation dentistry so you can address your concerns and find out which form is best. To discuss the topic with an experienced pediatric oral surgeon, call Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska at (907) 561-1430. For information about the services they offer or to watch videos of procedures, visit their website.