Sedation Q & A

Who is a candidate for conscious sedation?

If your child has anxiety or fear about going to the dentist he/she is a candidate for sedation dentistry. If your child has a fear of pain, has had a traumatic dental experience in the past, or the sounds and smells of a dental office make he/she nauseous, sedation dentistry can help your child gets over the anxiety.

Some kids have physical reasons, like a bad gag reflex or very sensitive teeth, which make them a candidate for sedation dentistry as well. If you are not sure if your child is a candidate, ask your dentist.

Will my child be unconscious?

No, but he/she will be in a deep state of relaxation during treatment. Your child will still be able to breathe on his/her own and communicate, but will not feel any pain or anxiety.

How long will my child be sedated?

Sedation can last from about 2-6 hours depending on the strength of the sedative your child is given.

Will my child be monitored?

Yes, at all times during sedation the dentist and a dental asistant will be with your child. We also monitor your child's vitals to make sure they remain at a normal level. Safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Are there any long term effects of conscious sedation?

No. Your child will feel a little groggy, but after a few hours your child will feel normal again. You will need to have someone drive you and your child home after the dental procedure is over.

What procedures can be done under conscious sedation?

Just about any procedure can be performed under conscious sedation. The conscious sedation is not for the procedure itself, but for the anxiety that accompanies the procedure. Ask your dentist if sedation is available for a particular procedure.

How many appointments will I need to complete my dental work?

In most cases it only takes two appointments. The first appointment will be a consultation to check your child  health history and make sure that he/she is a candidate for conscious sedation. The next appointment will be to perform the necessary dental procedures. This can usually be done in one appointment, but may require a follow up visit.

Will my insurance cover sedation?

In most cases it will not be covered by your insurance provider. We will review your insurance coverage and let you know if it is covered or not. If it is not covered, we will let you know the cost ;of the conscious sedation.