We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.
There are times when IV sedation might be warranted for your child’s dental treatment. This isn’t just scary for you; it can also be something that can cause a whole lot of anxiety for your child. To minimize the concern you both feel, there are ways you can prepare yourself and your child for what will happen the day of the procedure. The more educated and aware you both are, the better the chances you will both make it through the procedure with limited anxiety.
Preparing Your Child for Sedation Dentistry
There are few risks involved when your child goes under sedation dentistry, which makes it imperative that you follow the preparation instructions very carefully. Make sure not just to talk to them about what will happen, but also follow the right steps the night before to make things go as well as possible.
The night before the procedure, your child will need to fast, which is medically called “being NOP.” If you don’t follow the instructions as outlined, then you can run the risk of having the procedure canceled.
- The morning before the procedure or treatment your child will need to have the nasal decongestant Afrin sprayed into each nostril. The active ingredient is oxymetazoline. It helps to clear the nasal passages and will allow your child to breathe easier.
- Do not give your child any milk or food after midnight the night before the procedure is scheduled. If you have an older child who is capable of getting up in the middle of the night to get themselves something to eat or drink, you have to explain to them that they must not have anything to eat and be diligent to ensure that they follow your instructions.
- From midnight until two hours before the procedure, your child is allowed to have water, clear juice, or Pedialyte. Make sure that whatever they drink has no pulp, is not a sports drink with sugar like Gatorade, and that it has nothing with either dairy in it or fruit particles.
- Administer the required dose of Tylenol one to two hours before you arrive at your scheduled appointment.
- If your child takes regular medications, then they may take them with water up to two hours before their appointment is scheduled. Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications or any nonsteroidal medications within two days before the scheduled appointment. You can give Tylenol, but do not give any products containing aspirin like Motrin or Advil.
- If your child uses a nebulizer or breathing treatments, begin giving them regularly twice a day two days prior to the procedure. Do so even if they are not symptomatic.
- Bring an item that they find comfort in, like a stuffed animal or blanket.
- If they wear a diaper or pull-up at night, they may wear them to the procedure to prevent accidents.
- Always have two adults there to help drive home so that one can sit with the child and monitor them on the way home.
- If your child is running a fever or has any signs of a cold or illness, reschedule the appointment for another time.
IV sedation can seem scary for both you and your child. The more you understand how it works and prepare for your scheduled appointment, the more assured you will be that things will go as smoothly as possible and that everyone will be okay.
Dental Sleep St. Louis
When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will decide which option is the best for your child depending on their anxiety level and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns prior to your child’s appointment, please call us (314) 862-7844.
We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.