Sleep Dentistry for Kids: The Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Pain-Free Dental Treatment

As a pediatric dentist in Oakville, I’ve seen countless anxious faces turn into smiles via sleep dentistry for kids. At Kids Corner Medical & Dental, we understand that a visit to the dentist can be overwhelming for children. That is why we strive to make dental procedures as pain-free as we possibly can.

What Is Sleep Dentistry for Kids?

Sleep dentistry for kids (also known as sedation dentistry) helps kids feel relaxed and at ease during dental treatment. Think of it as a gentle way of removing the edge from dental fear. Parents commonly ask me when sleep dentistry would be appropriate for their child.

In my experience, sleep dentistry for kids is great for children who:

• Get extremely nervous about visiting the dentist
• Have had scary dental experiences in the past
• Need several treatments in one visit
• Have trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair
• Have special needs that make customary dental visits unsustainable

Types of Sleep Dentistry for Kids

Our Oakville office offers a variety of sleep dentistry options for kids. Each option has benefits, and we’ll consult with you to identify the best option for your child.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This is our mildest form of sleep dentistry for kids. Your child breathes in a sweet-smelling gas through a small nose mask, which relaxes them but leaves them still awake. My pediatric patients typically say they feel “floaty” or “giggly” – hence the nickname “laughing gas!“

Best of all? The effects wear off quickly once we’re done, so your child can resume normal activities almost immediately.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For children who need a bit more help relaxing, oral medication is a great option. Your child takes the medication before their appointment, usually in the form of a flavored liquid.

My patients usually get sleepy and relaxed – some even manage to sneak in a quick nap during treatment! They are still responsive to gentle stimulation or simple questions, but the dental treatment itself is a hazy memory.

 

IV Sedation

For more complex procedures or children with more severe anxiety, we might recommend IV sedation. This type of sleep dentistry for children involves medication delivered intravenously, which allows us to control the level of sedation during the visit.

Children under IV sedation enter a dream-like state in which they’re basically awake but very relaxed and most likely won’t remember much about the procedure once it’s over.

 

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia provides the best experience in some situations. This will make your child fully sleep and is typically done in a hospital setting under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Preparing: Sleep Dentistry for Kids

Before your child’s appointment, we’ll talk about their health history and provide special instructions on restrictions for food and liquid intake. These are guidelines made with safety in mind, so be sure to follow them as directed.

I always advise parents to talk to their child about the visit in advance. You might say, “The dentist has special sleepy medicine to help you feel relaxed and comfortable while they fix your teeth.”

Dress your child in comfortable clothes on the day of the appointment, and bring along their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. These familiarities can make a tremendous amount of difference!

 

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

 

When we do sleep dentistry on children, we carefully watch your child’s vital signs. Their safety is our number one priority, and our personnel are specially trained to observe sedated children.

Then there’s a recovery period, which varies for the different kinds of sedation. Your child might be somewhat wobbly or sleepy for a while. We’ll get them stabilized before they leave with you.

Plan a quiet afternoon following sleep dentistry for kids. Though most kids recover quickly, it’s best to keep things calm for the rest of the day.

 

Is Sleep Dentistry Safe for Kids?

As a pediatric dentist who regularly performs sleep dentistry for kids, I can assure you that when done properly, it’s very safe. Our team at Kids Corner Medical & Dental has undergone special training in pediatric sedation procedures.

We carefully prescribe the appropriate amount of medication based on your child’s size and health. We use monitoring equipment designed especially for children during the procedure.

Benefits Beyond Comfort

Pediatric sleep dentistry does more than just reduce anxiety. It allows us to complete a number of procedures in one visit, which means fewer appointments for your busy family.

Even more, positive sleep dentistry experiences can prevent dental fears from developing in the first place. Children who associate dental visits with comfort rather than fear tend to maintain good oral hygiene habits for a lifetime.

If you’re wondering whether sleep dentistry might be suitable for your child, call us at Kids Corner Medical & Dental in Oakville. We’re always happy to discuss options and answer any questions you might have.

After all, our goal is to make your child’s smile healthy – and their dental experiences enjoyable!