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Managing uncooperative children is a difficult task for parents and dentists. When most of the behavioral management strategies fail, sedation can help. 

Sedation is not only used for kids but also for adults who fear the dentist's chair or have anxiety relating to dental visits due to previous negative experiences. 

In this article, our dental experts at Modesto Kidz Dental in Modesto, California, share insights on the various aspects of oral sedation.

Levels of Dental Sedation

Sedatives can be administered by various routes such as oral, intramuscular, intravenous, and intranasal. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, there are three levels of sedation used in dentistry: 

Minimal Sedation

The patient is conscious and will be able to respond normally to verbal commands.

Moderate Sedation

The patient is conscious and responds purposefully to verbal commands or if lightly tapped.

Deep Sedation

The patient is unconscious and cannot be easily awakened. 

When Is Oral Sedation Administered?

Oral sedation is considered in the following scenarios:

• Dental fear and anxiety among adults and children (above the age of 1), as well as mentally challenged individuals
• In case of multiple and lengthy dental procedures
• For patients with certain medical conditions

Preparation for Oral Sedation

A detailed medical and dental history and airway examination will be performed before the procedure. 

The patients should not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to being administered oral sedation. For children, the 2-4-6 fasting rule is applied (i.e, 2 hours for clear fluids, 4 hours for breast milk, and 6 hours for solids).

What to Expect?

Oral sedatives produce minimum to moderate levels of sedation. A sedative pill or syrup is given to the patient one hour before the procedure. 

The sedative will be administered before the dental treatment and may make the patient feel groggy without falling asleep. This effect may last 2-8 hours depending on the dosage and the type of pill. 

Oral Sedative Drugs

• Diagram
• Triazolam
• Midazolam
• Lorazepam
• Hydroxyzine
• Zaleplon

Advantages of Oral Sedation

• It is safe, comfortable, and non-invasive
• Calms the mind and removes fear and anxiety
• Controls gag reflex when procedures are performed
• Controls pain and other triggers caused by dental noise, smell, sights such as seeing needles or sharp objects, etc.
• Little or no memory after the dental procedure
  
  

To learn more about oral sedation, schedule an appointment at Modesto Kidz Dental by calling (209) 578-3131. You can also visit us at Bldg B, 2801 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355 to address your or your child’s dental concerns.