What Happens After a Child Receives Dental Sedation?

 Many children feel nervous about going to the dentist, and some need a little extra help to stay calm. If your child is scheduled for dental sedation, it's normal to wonder how they'll feel once the appointment is over. In most cases, recovery is simple. Kids who receive laughing gas usually feel like themselves within minutes. Children who have oral or intravenous sedation often feel sleepy for several hours and are back to normal by the next day. 

At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, TX, Dr. Yvonne Felli and our team walk families through each step before and after treatment. Call today to schedule a visit. 

How sedation dentistry helps children feel calm 

Sedation dentistry allows children to relax so they can get the care they need without fear or stress. It can be especially helpful for kids with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, special needs, or a long procedure ahead. A numbing medicine is still used to keep the teeth and gums comfortable during treatment. 

Our pediatric dentist in Allen will recommend a type of sedation based on your child's age, comfort level, and the work being done. Laughing gas is breathed in through a small nose mask and creates a calm, relaxed feeling. Oral sedation is given as a liquid or pill before the visit. Intravenous sedation is delivered through a vein and offers a deeper level of relaxation, so many children don't remember much of their appointment. 

What to expect after your child's appointment 

Once dental treatment is complete, our team will keep an eye on your child until they're alert enough to go home. With laughing gas, the effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, and most kids can go back to school or regular activities the same day. 

Oral sedation and intravenous sedation take longer to wear off. Your child may feel drowsy or unsteady on their feet for the rest of the day. Some children feel mild nausea. If a numbing medicine was used, their lips, cheeks, and tongue may stay numb for a few hours. These effects are normal and usually fade by the next morning. 

Making recovery easier at home 

A few simple steps can help your child feel comfortable after their dental treatment:  

• Plan a quiet day: Keep your child home to rest after oral or IV sedation, and stay close by in case they need help walking. 
• Offer fluids first: Start with water or juice, then move to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes once they're feeling up to it. 
• Watch for biting: While their mouth is numb, kids may chew on their lips or cheeks without realizing it, so keep an eye on them until the feeling returns. 
• Keep them safe while drowsy: Skip bikes, playgrounds, and other activities that require balance until the next day. 

Families are more than welcome to reach out to our pediatric dentist with any questions during recovery. 

Plan a calm dental visit for your child in Allen 

Helping kids feel safe at the dentist can make a big difference in how they view oral care as they grow. At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, TX, Dr. Yvonne Felli offers sedation dentistry options to help children get through dental treatment with less worry. If your child feels nervous about the dentist, call today to talk with our pediatric dentist about whether sedation may help.