If your children are nervous about receiving dental treatment, IV sedation can be very helpful.
Dental anxiety is a fairly common condition, and can affect patients of all ages. If your child requires dental treatment but is feeling nervous about the process, it is possible for us to offer IV sedation. Read on to find out more about how IV sedation works, what to expect from the process and some of its benefits.
What is IV sedation, exactly?
IV sedation refers to dental sedation that is administered intravenously in very small doses through a tiny needle in the arm. The sedation causes drowsiness and a feeling of being relaxed. During the time for which your child is sedated, they will be able to breathe unassisted, and will remain in an induced, but very calm state. They will have no memory of the procedure afterwards.
How long does the recovery usually take?
Recovery following IV sedation is quick. In fact, it typically takes around 24 hours for the full effects of the sedation to wear off. Your child will be able to walk around soon after treatment, although they may feel sleepy and relaxed for some time following the procedure.
We recommend that you are present when your child wakes up from their procedure. It can take a little time for them to be ready to travel home, as they may feel a bit sleepy and confused.
In some cases, patients may feel a little dizzy or nauseous following IV sedation. If your child complains of these side effects, we recommend that you let them rest until they feel well again. These side effects are fairly rare, and should subside quickly.
When you get home, it is fine for your child to drink water and eat soft foods.
What are the benefits of IV sedation?
There are a number of benefits to IV sedation, especially if your child feels anxious about receiving dental treatment. In fact, your child won’t feel anything throughout the course of their treatment and won’t even have a memory of the actual procedure occurring. The treatment will also feel very quick, and your little one will simply feel as though they have just woken from a short nap.
At Murwillumbah Dental, our practitioners are fully qualified to administer IV sedation, so you won’t ever need to worry about your child’s safety. A qualified anaesthetist or dentist will be at your child’s side for the entire procedure to ensure that they remain comfortable at all times. Also, the amount of sedation can be controlled so the treatment can be customised to suit your little one’s particular needs as well as the type and duration of their procedure.
How can I prepare my child for IV sedation?
If your child’s dentist has recommended IV sedation, they will discuss your little one’s medical history with you and give you any pre-sedation information that you might need to know. If you have any questions about the process, we urge you to chat to your child’s dentist before the procedure begins.
When you arrive at our practice, our team will explain what you can expect from the process. You are welcome to bring along your child’s favourite toys to distract them while the dentist administers the IV sedation. You can rest assured that your little one’s vitals and breathing will be monitored throughout the process and our team will ensure that they stay comfortable for the duration of their treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns about IV sedation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are happy to provide you with all of the information you need.
