Oral Sedation

Another alternative for helping nervous children relax at the dentist’s office is the use of sedation. This is also a helpful tool for children to young to understand or to cooperate with the dental procedures. When your child becomes so anxious that cooperating becomes difficult for them, sedation is an option. Sedation is a method in which medications are used to help your child relax during the dental visit and allow the doctor to effectively treat your child. Sedations tend to produce feelings of drowsiness and relaxation and are not meant to make your child unconscious. Unlike with adults, oral sedation (liquid medicine) is dispensed only at the office for your child's safety, not at home.

Sedation is also a way to for the dentist to provide more effective treatment along with preventing issues that may result from uncontrolled movements in an anxious, uncooperative child. We also offer outpatient general anesthesia when needed.

What to know before sedation:

• Do not allow your child to eat beforehand
• Dress your child in comfy clothes with access to the hands and feet
• Call the office in case of an emergency. 

 When administered according to the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry by a pediatric dentist, sedation is a safe, effective option. If you live in or around Woodbridge and are interested in learning more about the use of sedation during your child’s visits please contact our offices to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment to find out if sedation is a suitable option for your child.