Sedation Dentistry
Although Dr. Hersch rarely needs to sedate his young patients for treatment, there are cases when sedation is indicated. Many different types of sedation are available and are all accepted forms of intervention for behavior and/or anxiety management in dental offices.
Sedation dentistry, in general, refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation available in dentistry today, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), oral sedatives, IV sedation, and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, pulpotomies (“baby root canals”) and extractions often require sedation as well.
Dr. Hersch and the Hersch Pediatric Dentistry team are almost always able to treat children without using sedation or pharmacological management. In cases where the safety of a child is compromised due to excessive movement or lack of cooperation, sedation is indicated. In the event that we feel a child would be more comfortable and tolerate a procedure better with sedation, Dr. Hersch calls upon Dr. Fernando Munoz, our designated dental anesthesiologist, to administer medication to allow a child to comfortably and safely receive dental care.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, Dr. Hersch will want you to talk with Dr. Munoz about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
We assure you that we will only recommend I.V. sedation/general anesthesia in cases where a child would benefit more from the anesthesia than without it. In many cases, there aren’t any other alternatives to deliver successful and quality dental treatment without sedating your child. Your questions and comments regarding sedation are encouraged!
