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Question:
Sedation for Kids:I need some advice for my daughter who is 5 now, and having major difficulties to deal with dental work.
Her pediatric dentist recommended to put a few caps for molars, fillings for other areas. But the problem is to get her to sit down on that chair. The doctor recommended that if she doesn't cooperate then I might have to go for sedation techniques.
Now my question to you: I am very nervous about this whole thing and also I would like some help as to which sedation technique is better for a kid of 5 years old (deep sleep, conscious or partial sedation)? ...Visitor from Ontario Canada
Answer:
Depending on your daughter's fear and phobia level about having dental care performed, there are several options to consider. If she is very fearful and cannot settle herself down enough ,even with the help of a caring Pediatric Dentist, she may need general or deep sedation which should be administered in a hospital setting . In the hospital her sedation will be monitored by an anesthesiologist.
However, if your daughter understands why she needs the dentist to help take care of the cavity "bugs", she may be able to have her care done in the dental office with the help of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or oral medication to calm her down. This care would be considered light or conscious sedation, which should be monitored by a properly trained dental team.
Many people develop dental phobias and fear as children when they were treated by an impatient or undertrained dentist and dental team. I would implore you to take your daughter to a dentist who is caring and will provide sedation services that are appropriate for her in a safe and comfortable manner.
Also, it sounds like your daughter did not have regular preventitive dental check-ups from an early age,and probably less than adequate daily home care.
In this day and age for a 5 year old to require several siver crowns and other cavity work means that she did not get the needed early preventive dental care or hygiene instruction that she needed.
No matter what the investment, you have the chance to do the right thing by getting the needed dental work done, and then establish a routine six month check-up and cleaning schedule with this dentist.
It would also help greatly for your daughter to cut down on sweets and sugars,and to help her brush and floss her teeth every day until she is mature enough to take over her daily cleaning routine.
ComfortableDental.com
Ron Briglia, DMD
Chester County Medical Building
600 East Marshall Street, Suite 201
West Chester PA 19380
(610) 692-4440
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