Children’s Sleep Dentistry – Ensuring Comfort for Every Dental Visit

Many times, a dental visit is apprehensive for many children of anxiety and fear. We know the importance of managing our young patients in a comfortable and stress-free environment. That’s why we offer pediatric sleep dentistry—a medically sound solution to give children a way to relax while getting their dental work done. Our team of experienced professionals are committed to providing your child with the highest level of care and ensures the pain free and positive experience.

What is Children’s Sleep Dentistry?

Children’s sleep dentistry (also called sedation dentistry) is the use of mild sedatives in order to help children remain calm, relaxed and unaware of their dental procedure. In particular, children who experience extreme dental anxiety or need lengthy treatments find this approach most helpful. Forgetting fear and discomfort associated with dental care, sleep dentistry reduces stress and promotes a sense of tranquility in children to get quintessential dental care.
To understand more about sleep dentistry and its various types and benefits, visit our comprehensive guide on what is Sleep Dentistry.

Types of Sedation Used in Pediatric Sleep Dentistry

At Crystalline Dental, we provide a selection of sedation options that are personalized to meet the needs of every child. We will work with your child and you to choose the best method given your child’s age, medical history and the complexity of the treatment they need. The types of sedation used in pediatric sleep dentistry include:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

The child’s nose is covered with a small mask through which this gentle sedative is given. Nitrous oxide helps make children feel relaxed but awake and able to follow directions while the procedure is being conducted. It wears off quickly and kids can get back to normal activities immediately after the appointment.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation, in the form of a pill or liquid, makes children drowsy and less anxious during their visit to the dentist. Kids are partially awake when they’re under oral sedation but deeply relaxed. It is a common choice to use for children who have moderate to severe dental anxiety, or who need more extensive dental work.

IV Sedation

Typically, IV sedation is reserved for children who are undergoing lengthy or complex dental procedures. In this method a sedative is introduced straight into the bloodstream, making for a deeply relaxing experience. During treatment, children remain in what could be called a ‘sleep state’ and have relatively little memory of the experience following the treatment.

General Anesthesia

In rare instances, children with extreme dental anxiety or requiring extensive dental work may be given general anesthesia. Children are fully asleep and unaware during the entire procedure under general anesthesia. The only time this option is used is when it is absolutely necessary, and is always administered by a qualified anesthesiologist.

Benefits of Pediatric Sleep Dentistry

Incorporating sleep dentistry into your child’s dental care plan offers numerous advantages, such as:

Reduced Anxiety

Sleep dentistry allows children to feel less stressed and more at ease during a dental visit, making your visit a more manageable, even positive experience. It can help to improve oral health outcomes and improve overall attitude to oral health.

Increased Safety

Sedation will ensure that children are calm and still when having their procedure carried out, reducing the chance of accidents or injuries. This is especially important for young patients who are sometimes unable to sit still and understand why they need to cooperate during treatment.

Multiple Treatments in One Visit

Sleep dentistry allows dentists to complete multiple treatments in a single session so you do not have to come in multiple times for the same treatment. Not only does it save time and reduce stress in both the children and the parents but it also makes for more comprehensive dental care.

Is Sleep Dentistry Safe for Children?

Safety is our number one priority in pediatric sleep dentistry at Crystalline Dental. And we operate under strict guidelines and protocols so that every child is kept, cared for in a secure, controlled environment. Throughout the procedure, sedation levels are closely monitored and only qualified people are permitted to administer sedatives. To ensure your child’s experience is both comfortable and risk free, our team stays up to date with the latest techniques and safety measures in sleep dentistry by completing regular training.

When is Sleep Dentistry Recommended for Kids?

While sleep dentistry isn’t needed for every child, there are some cases where it can make a large difference. Your dentist may recommend sedation for:

•         Children with severe dental anxiety who can’t cope with traditional dental visits
•         Dental work or procedures that require frequent follow-up and/or multiple processes
•         Kids with special needs or sensory process disorders that have difficulty with what they hear, see and feel when having dental treatments
•         Children who are having prolonged or a complicated procedure that requires them to be still for a period of time

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for a child to recover from sedation?

The type and level of sedation used determines the amount of recovery time. Most children can recover from the procedure within a few minutes to an hour using moderate sedation methods of nitrous oxide. While the effects of oral sedation can take several hours to wear off completely, deeper sedation procedures like IV sedation, or general anesthesia, can take a full day for the child to be back to their normal self.

Is pediatric sleep dentistry covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for sleep dentistry is variable from company to company. Sedation may be covered under some plans if it is medically necessary to the child’s dental treatment. You’d be best to reach out to your specific provider for details on what kind of coverage you have, as well as what costs there may be you would be responsible for out of pocket.

Will my child remember the dental procedure?

The amount of memory retained after sedation depends on which type of sedative you are using. Though children are usually sedated so that they have little or no recollection of the procedure, a mild sedation such as nitrous oxide, or oral sedatives, can allow some degree of recollection as it is typically described as a dream. As sedation increases to IV sedation or general anesthesia, most do not remember the visit. This may help to reduce patient fears or anxiety about future visits.

The bottom line is that children deserve a positive and comfortable dental visit at Crystalline Dental. Our kids’ sleep dentistry services make kids’ dental care less stressful and unfearful, helping kids get what they need without any stress or fear. Our team is available to answer your questions regarding your child’s dental anxiety or upcoming treatment if you have concerns. Contact us today to discover how children’s sleep dentistry can assist your child’s oral health as well as general wellbeing.

Learn more about the overall benefits and types of sedation used in sleep dentistry by reading our main article on What is Sleep Dentistry.