Is IV Sedation Safe for My Child?

Just like adults, some children are stricken with real fear when it is time to go to the dentist. In fact, the feelings of anxiety and fear tend to be magnified for a child who is unfamiliar with the sights, sounds, and feelings of the dental office. To some degree, this fear can be managed when the parent and the dental team work together to build the child’s trust and confidence. However, when the child is unable to cope with her anxiety, or when the planned dental procedure is expected to be particularly lengthy, it may be necessary to tap into additional resources.

With IV sedation a kid’s dentist can safely administer child-sized doses of the medications that are appropriate for managing anxiety in children. The medications that will be selected for your child are not meant to induce sleep, but rather to soothe and deeply relax. In this state of gentle relaxation, a child can breathe independently as well as respond to the instructions given by the dentist. This makes it an alternative that is safer than general anesthesia.

Still, this level and method of sedation is profound enough to yield the desired results. The young patients who have been treated with these medications will typically forget much of the procedure, reducing the risk of creating bad memories and difficulties at future dental appointments. We know that just one bad dental experience can negatively alter a child’s view of dental care for the rest of her life. This is especially beneficial for children with special needs and those who have trouble sitting in the kid’s dental chair for an extended period of time.

By offering the help of IV sedation a kid’s dentist can keep your child safe and comfortable in the dental chair while removing the fear that could make a simple appointment unbearable.

Contact Fort Worth Children’s Dentistry to learn more about the many safe IV sedative options for your child.  Call 817-569-6633 for an appointment today.