The Sedation Dentistry Game-Changer for Kids

Our family's history with cavities is a long one. My kid had a bad case of them since they were a baby, likely due to breastfeeding. By the time they were two, we went to a well-known clinic for a check-up and were quoted a treatment that would cost me at least two salaries with bonuses - and that was just for the anesthesia. What's interesting is that anesthesia was required because traditional methods just aren't effective for kids like mine. They can't sit still in the dentist's chair.

I won't go into the details, but I was determined to find alternative treatments that wouldn't require general anesthesia. Although, looking back, I probably would have agreed to it right away.

And then we found it. The clinic offered a procedure called silvering of baby teeth, and it actually worked. But the flip side was the aesthetic impact. As soon as my kid started going to daycare, they'd get asked questions like 'why do you have dirty teeth?' or 'why do you have ugly black teeth?' My kid even started to feel self-conscious about it. So, we went back to our favorite clinic, where we've been going for years, and that's where we discovered sedation dentistry using nitrous oxide.

This was our first calm dental experience.

By the time we started treating my kid's cavities, they were 5.5 years old. Sedation with nitrous oxide is recommended from 3 years old, and I wish we'd done it sooner. Looking back, it would have made a huge difference in my kid's experience.

We didn't start treatment right away.

First, we had to get my kid accustomed to the dentist and the clinic. We met the doctor, came back a few times, watched some cartoons, and even did a trial run with a few cleanings. It was all about making my kid comfortable with the process. The next time we came in, we did a full treatment - and it was a breeze.

I'm sure other clinics might jump straight into treatment, but for me, it was about getting my kid accustomed to the process.

During the treatment, the kid is awake and conscious.

My kid was able to communicate with the dentist, follow instructions, and even watch cartoons while the treatment was happening. The whole process was relaxed, and my kid didn't experience any anxiety or disrupt the dentist's work.

Sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide is safe.

The doctors carefully adjust the dosage based on the child's weight, age, and other factors. Throughout the treatment, they monitor the child's vital signs and keep a close eye on them.

Sedation 101.

Sedation, in medical terms, is the minimum level of consciousness impairment. What does that mean? A kid is relaxed, calmly takes in what's going on around them. Meanwhile, all their main reflexes remain intact: they breathe on their own, can move, stay conscious, hear everything, understand, and can talk. In this state, a kid can go through dental treatment without worries or anxiety. Sedation also reduces the gag reflex!

The sedation effect is achieved using a special mixture – nitrous oxide and oxygen. This sweet, inert gas quickly and safely puts a kid in the relaxed state needed for treatment.

But there are some contraindications, identified by the doctor during an interview.

Who's not a good candidate for sedation?

Kids with nasal breathing issues (common cold, adenoiditis, sinusitis, or an allergic rhinitis flare-up) Children with a severe fear of doctors (stomatophobia) Infants who can't communicate with the doctor (due to age or a related condition) Children who've had a head injury within the past three months (and later) before dental treatment Chronic otitis media in an active phase Epilepsy or seizure disorders

I recently had to take my six-year-old daughter to the dentist to remove two molars that were already loose but still causing issues. Yep, sedation was the way to go.

The treatment process is completely stress-free for both the kid and the doctor.

The kid sits in a chair, gets a mask, and is given nitrous oxide. The dose is gradually increased, and the kid relaxes. The treatment is then performed. Nitrous oxide doesn't replace a pain-relieving shot, which is also administered before treatment. However, the kid is in a relaxed state, so the shot doesn't cause any discomfort. After treatment, the kid stays in the mask for a bit longer (nitrous oxide is stopped, and oxygen is provided). They get up feeling brand new. The kid's not shaken, doesn't feel nauseous, and can't even say anything bad about the process. In short, they're happy. Let me take a step back for a second. Recently, my almost 3-year-old kid had to go through sedation during a joint puncture procedure. The kid developed arthritis after a bout of pneumonia, and treatment wasn't helping, so we decided to administer a hormone, but it would be cruel and traumatic for their psyche to get it without sedation. After going through the experience with my older kid, I wasn't nervous at all. Everything went smoothly.

Cost

In the clinic where we're getting treatment, sedation with nitrous oxide costs around $85 for 30-60 minutes. For shorter treatments, it's around $50.

Conclusion As a parent, I'll do everything to make sure my kid heals without pain, panic, or stress.

Nitrous oxide, in my opinion, is a lifesaver: the kid won't be afraid of doctors, especially dentists.

I've had the chance to write about our experience with various treatments for kids' teeth, including a Japanese preparation called Saforide that didn't quite live up to expectations. And, of course, I've shared our success with sedation to remove my kid's teeth after silvering. It was a huge success, and now my kid isn't afraid of the dentist at all.

You can find more of my reviews on health products, including medicines and toothpaste, on my profile page.

I've also written about kid-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste.