What Is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation uses medication taken by mouth to create a relaxed, drowsy state. Your child remains conscious and can respond to voice commands, but feels significantly calmer and less aware of the dental treatment happening.
Unlike nitrous oxide, which wears off within minutes, conscious sedation creates a deeper level of relaxation that lasts throughout the appointment and requires recovery time afterward. Many children have little or no memory of their treatment afterward.
When Conscious Sedation Is Appropriate
Our Pickering pediatric dentists may recommend conscious sedation for children with significant dental anxiety that limits their ability to cooperate, very young children who need extensive treatment, children who have had traumatic dental experiences, those with strong gag reflexes that interfere with treatment, and children who need multiple procedures completed in one visit.
During your consultation, we'll evaluate your child's specific needs, medical history, and the treatment required to determine whether conscious sedation is the right choice.
How Conscious Sedation Works
Before the sedation appointment, we provide detailed instructions about eating, drinking, and medication. Following these instructions exactly is essential for your child's safety.
On the day of treatment, your child takes the sedation medication at our office or at home as directed. Once the medication takes effect, usually within thirty to sixty minutes, we begin treatment. Your child will be monitored continuously throughout the appointment.
After treatment, your child will need to rest at home for the remainder of the day. They may be drowsy, unsteady, or emotional as the medication wears off. These effects typically resolve within several hours.
Safety Protocols
Conscious sedation requires specialized training and monitoring protocols. Our board-certified pediatric dentists have completed advanced training in sedation and follow strict guidelines established by dental and medical organizations.
We monitor your child's vital signs throughout the procedure and have emergency equipment readily available. A parent or guardian must remain in our office during sedation and drive the child home afterward.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region trust Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for safe sedation dentistry that helps anxious children receive comprehensive dental care.
