What is Sedation?
A child may need sedation for dental work if a tooth or number of teeth absolutely needs to be fixed, but the child cannot cooperate for the appointment. There are many different levels of sedation.
Versed is an oral medication that provides moderate sedation, and is used to alleviate a higher level of anxiety. Versed has been proven to be safe, but its effectiveness is short and unpredictable. It is used for small procedures in younger (children less than 6 years old), healthy patients due to its short duration. Longer, more advanced treatment, that must be done, requires general anesthesia.
General anesthesia is a form of deep sedation, and is used when Nitrous-oxide and Versed are not indicated. Longer, more complicated treatment may require general anesthesia. General anesthesia is usually a gas that is breathed in by the child, and is administered by an anesthesiologist. Because the child is placed in a deep sedative state, the child must be continuously monitored. Tonsillectomies, ear tubes, and other surgeries are all done under general anesthesia.