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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Sedate A 4 Year Old Child For Filling Cavity?

my child is 4 years old and her dentist want to sedate her tomorrow to fix her cavities because she doesn't sit although she finished 1 of her 2 cavities by holding her strongly, but the dr. said he is afraid they are not well done.
I read that the chemicals of sedation are harmful would u tell me what to do. or do I wait and look for another dr.
Tue, 10 Dec 2013
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi there,

Thank you for choosing healthcaremagic.

I would be glad to answer your question.

You mentioned that your dentist has mentioned that he needs to sedate your 4 yr old to be able to fill cavity.

Under usual circumstances, you will be able to distract a 4 yr old for her to allow for the cavity to be filled but if that is not the case then it may require conscious sedation which is very light sedation used to induce sleep while your child can still feel pain etc to be able to complete a procedure.

Medicines used in sedation usually cause sleepiness, lightheadedness and may cause some confusion. If used in a setting where the doctor has good expertise in the same and has used it in the past, then most children do fine without any difficulties and with the procedure done well.

Now a days, it is common to use some light sedation or conscious sedation to do procedures which are a necessity for the child and without which the child will not allow the procedure to be done well.

You can discuss with your dentist what type of sedation it is, if it is common practice in his setting to do the same and what possible side effects it can cause and what are the measures available to counter the side effects. After your discussion, you will be able to judge better if you would like to go ahead with the procedure.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes.
Regards,
Dr. Sumeet.
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Is It Safe To Sedate A 4 Year Old Child For Filling Cavity?

Hi there, Thank you for choosing healthcaremagic. I would be glad to answer your question. You mentioned that your dentist has mentioned that he needs to sedate your 4 yr old to be able to fill cavity. Under usual circumstances, you will be able to distract a 4 yr old for her to allow for the cavity to be filled but if that is not the case then it may require conscious sedation which is very light sedation used to induce sleep while your child can still feel pain etc to be able to complete a procedure. Medicines used in sedation usually cause sleepiness, lightheadedness and may cause some confusion. If used in a setting where the doctor has good expertise in the same and has used it in the past, then most children do fine without any difficulties and with the procedure done well. Now a days, it is common to use some light sedation or conscious sedation to do procedures which are a necessity for the child and without which the child will not allow the procedure to be done well. You can discuss with your dentist what type of sedation it is, if it is common practice in his setting to do the same and what possible side effects it can cause and what are the measures available to counter the side effects. After your discussion, you will be able to judge better if you would like to go ahead with the procedure. Hope this helps. Best wishes. Regards, Dr. Sumeet.