IV Sedation For Children With Dental Anxiety

Most adults are more or less comfortable going to the dentist. Little children, however, may not be as agreeable! They may be uncomfortable and even fussy, which can make it difficult for their dentist to do the job.

For anxious, younger children, (or even older patients with dental phobia), we recommend IV sedation. Contact us to find out why this practice can be better for these patients, and how Children’s Dentistry of Manatee can provide it for your child.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV (intravenous) sedation is slowly and continuously delivered through the patient’s vein, traditionally on the back of the hand. This form of sedation requires not just a dentist but also additional specialists who have to monitor the patient’s vital signs. These specialists will adjust the level of sedation as needed, ensuring a safe procedure.

What Does Dental IV Sedation Feel Like?

When a patient is deeply sedated intravenously, they are mostly unconscious. This has the following effects:

• Their movement and discomfort are greatly reduced.
• They are less aware of what’s happening around them, including the dental procedure.
• Their memory is partly suppressed, and they might not even remember the procedure upon waking up.

In addition, while sedated, patients feel little to no pain, so there is much less of a need, or not need at all, for local anesthesia.

When Is IV Sedation Used?

IV sedation is recommended for patients who experience distress or dental anxiety during procedures, even under lower levels of sedation.

Additionally, because IV sedation reduces the need for local anesthesia, patients do not experience the numbing associated with it after the procedure. This can help prevent children from chewing their lips or inner cheeks, which is a common cause of mouth injury after dental anesthesia.

Is Pediatric IV Sedation Safe?

IV sedation is very safe! Unlike general anesthesia, sedation doesn’t inhibit a patient’s breathing, heart function, or circulation. The flow of sedatives can be controlled very precisely, and a team of specialists is always watching out for the patient’s well-being throughout the procedure.

Preparing Your Child For IV Sedation

Before your procedure, you need to manage your child’s food and beverage intake to ensure their safety while sedated.

The night before the procedure:

• Don’t feed your child any solid foods.
• Avoid feeding them any non-clear liquids such as milk, baby formula, or juices with seeds or pulp.

Two hours prior:

• They should not drink any fluids, even water.

These restrictions are in place because they’ll be unconscious during sedation – if they throw up during the procedure, they might inhale the fluid or food and choke.

Of course, with your child’s first dental visit, your dentist will discuss their dental concerns, hygiene habits, and treatment plan in greater detail to help you prepare for their procedure.

Safe Dental IV Sedation At Children’s Dentistry Of Manatee

At Children’s Dentistry of Manatee, we offer IV sedation for pediatric dental patients in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Our specialists from Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates are board-certified and will ensure that your children are constantly safe and monitored throughout their procedure. Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Bryan Morgan, will perform their procedure carefully and painlessly, ensuring that your child is comfortable before, during, and after their visit. We also work with  Dr. Hector Vila, Dr. Michael Garcia, and Dr. George Alvarez.

Schedule an appointment with our dental practice now! We’ll help you address your child’s dental needs with a full examination, and walk you through everything you need to know about any procedures – including the sedatives we can use.