Oral Sedation and General Anesthesia for Kids & Children
Kids can feel afraid when they are facing a dental procedure. Fortunately, oral sedation and general anesthesia can help. These safe and effective options are designed to help children relax and stay comfortable during dental treatments while ensuring their safety at all times.
Oral Sedation for Kids & Children in Jasper
Oral sedation is a medication given by a dentist to make children calm during dental procedures such as extractions, root canals, and fillings. Oral sedation is a mild sedative that will make children feel very relaxed and a little sleepy. This medication allows children to sleep, but it is possible they will still be awake.
Oral sedation is not a painkiller. The dentist will still inject painkiller medication to numb the gums near the procedure area to keep it pain-free. Oral sedation is great for children (and adults) who experience a lot of fear and anxiety at the dentist's office.
Oral sedation comes in liquid or pill form. The medication starts to work in about 20 minutes, so it is normally taken when the child arrives at the dentist's office. Normally, children should not eat or drink after midnight the night before the appointment. The dentist's office will give the parent specific directions.
The dentist will review the child’s medical history and explain to the parent the type of oral sedation the child will receive. The parent will be asked to sign a consent form before any sedation is given.
During the procedure, the child’s vital signs will be monitored closely by the dental staff. Oral sedation medicine may last up to six hours after the treatment. This is why children should not go back to school after the procedure.
It is normal for children to seem incoherent afterward. When the oral medication wears off, children may not remember what happened during the procedure.
General Anesthesia for Kids & Children in Jasper
General anesthesia is a deeper form of sedation used for children who need extensive dental treatment, have high anxiety, special needs, or difficulty staying still during procedures. Under general anesthesia, your child is completely asleep and will not feel, see, or hear anything during the dental visit.
This type of anesthesia is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist or dental anesthesiologist in a controlled environment. Throughout the procedure, your child’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored to ensure complete safety and comfort.
General anesthesia allows the dentist to complete all necessary dental work in one visit, minimizing stress and the number of appointments. It’s often recommended for children who require multiple restorations or complex dental care that would otherwise be difficult to complete while awake.
After the procedure, your child will rest under supervision until the effects of anesthesia wear off. It’s normal for children to feel sleepy or disoriented afterward. Our team will provide detailed post-care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery at home.
If your child needs a dental procedure, please call our office to make an appointment. The dentist can explain what the procedure involves and which sedation option is best for your child. Our office puts a top priority on safety, comfort, and compassionate care for our little patients. Call today at 409-224-8357.
