Most children do well with numbing alone or with a little laughing gas. Some need more help, and that’s okay. Our sedation dentistry option for kids in San Antonio uses a medicine your child drinks to help them stay calm, so needed treatment can be done safely and with less stress for everyone.
Is sedation right for my child?
We may suggest conscious sedation for:
- Young children who aren’t yet able to sit through treatment
- Children who feel very anxious about dental care
- Visits with a larger amount of treatment to complete
Sedation sits in the middle of our comfort options. Local Anesthesia numbs the tooth, Nitrous Oxide takes the edge off nerves, and General Anesthesia lets a child sleep completely through treatment in a surgery center. We’ll recommend the lightest option that fits your child’s age, health, and needs, and explain why.
Dr. Kevin Coppola holds Level 2 sedation certification, and our team follows the safety guidance of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) for sedating children.
What happens on sedation day
Your child drinks a small amount of medicine at our office. It takes about an hour to work. During that time, keep your child close and calm in the office rather than running around. Your child won’t be fully asleep, but they’ll become drowsy and may doze off.
Once your child is relaxed, we still numb the area we’re treating so they stay comfortable. A parent or legal guardian must remain at the office for the whole appointment.
How to prepare for sedation
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the visit.
- Tell us about health changes, including a new diagnosis from your child’s physician, a cough, runny nose, or other illness that could affect breathing, and any new medicines, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
- Dress your child comfortably. Pajamas are perfect.
- Plan for one adult per child. If you need to bring a brother or sister along, bring a second adult to look after them.
If your child is sick on the day of the appointment, call us. We may need to reschedule to keep your child safe.
Caring for your child after sedation
Expect your child to stay sleepy for a while after you get home. That’s normal, but they need an adult watching them for the rest of the day.
- Napping is fine. Position your child so the head and neck are straight, which keeps the airway open.
- Wake your child about once an hour and offer a drink, with water as the best choice.
- Keep the day quiet, like a sick day: rest, fluids, and no rough play.
- If your child throws up, turn their head to the side.
- Their mouth will still be numb for a while; see our Local Anesthesia tips for avoiding lip and cheek bites.
Call us with any questions or concerns.
What’s the difference between sedation and general anesthesia?
With conscious sedation, your child is relaxed and drowsy but not fully asleep, and treatment takes place in our office. With general anesthesia, your child is completely asleep under the care of an anesthesiologist at an outpatient surgery center.
Where will I be while my child is sedated?
A parent or guardian must stay at our office for the entire visit. We’ll let you know when you can be in the room and when it’s best to wait nearby.
Is sedation safe for children?
When it’s planned carefully and given by trained dentists who follow AAPD guidelines, sedation has a strong safety record in children. We review your child’s health history before recommending it.
Related: Nitrous Oxide, General Anesthesia, Local Anesthesia, Special Needs Dentistry