If your child needs anesthesia

If your child needs a difficult or complex dental procedure, your dentist may recommend options for sedation to help control your child’s anxiety. It’s important to be informed about the benefits and risks of any dental treatment for your child.

Before any type of procedure, give the dental office your child’s most up-to-date health history — including allergies and any medications that your child is currently taking. Here are some questions you may want to ask your dentist about sedation procedures:

• What type of medication(s) will be used and how will they be administered?
• What are the possible side effects?
• What is the minimum level of sedation that might be used to get the treatment done safely? Are there other options?
• What training and experience is required to administer the medications?
• How will the child be monitored? Will someone remain in the room once the sedation is administered and stay there during and after treatment?
• What provisions are made for emergency medical services?
• How long will the sedation last? Are there any post-treatment instructions that should be followed?
• Will post-treatment pain medication be necessary?
  

Information courtesy of the American Dental Association.