My two-year-old was having a toothache. I took him to the dentist and it turned out he has massive decay. I wish I’d have taken him in sooner, but didn’t really think about children his age needing to see a dentist. According to the dentist, the fact that I let him sleep with a bottle is the likely culprit. Because he needs extensive work, the dentist is suggesting we put him under anesthesia. I’m a little concerned about that. Is it safe?
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn,
Dental Sedation is Commonly Used with Children
I understand your concern. Let me ease your fears by letting you know right up front, though there are risks with any medical procedure, dental sedation is considered very safe. It’s being recommended your son do general anesthesia which is a little different. We’ll go over that as well.
Types of Dental Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide
This is the lowest level of sedation. It’s commonly called laughing gas. It mostly relaxes a patient so they’re not nervous. This allows the topical anesthetic to work more effectively. Most children fall asleep when using this and then wake up and go right back to their normal activities. There’s no reason for them to miss a day of school when they’re done.
- Oral Conscious Sedation
This is used more with adults than with children, but children do use it safely. It’s a pill swallowed before the appointment. It will completely relax you, but you’ll also be loopy throughout the day. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you throughout the day.
General Anesthesia is Different from Dental Sedation
This is what is done when children (or adults) need extensive work that requires them to be in a deep sleep. It’s just like any other surgical procedure. Though your son is not having surgery, they’ll use the same type of anesthesia.
These are used on children every day, and, again, while there are always risks, they’re considered perfectly safe.
Please don’t put this off because of fear. Extensive decay, when left untreated, turns into a dental infection. Unlike other infections, antibiotics aren’t enough. The decay has to be physically removed from the pulp of the tooth or it will just continue to spread after killing the tooth.
An infection is a dental emergency. These can turn life-threatening quickly. It’s more dangerous for your son to not get treated then it will be for him to have the anesthesia done.
I hope this helps and puts your mind at ease. This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.