Why It’s Important Not To Eat Before Sedation

Some methods of dental sedation require extra preparations. In truth, your child may have to fast for a specified time before their appointment. Different techniques have different guidelines, but discover why it’s important not to eat before sedation based on each potential method.

See Also: Kids Sedation Dentist in Richmond, Tx.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation induces drowsiness to help keep your child calm during the procedure. Dentists utilize this sedation method by administering a medicine that takes effect in about 20 minutes.

With this method, it’s usually best if your child doesn’t eat or drink anything but water after midnight the night before the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most common and mildest form of sedation. The gas is both colorless and odorless and takes a few minutes to take effect after breathing it in. Children are comfortable and tranquil during the procedure, but the effects wear off quickly.

Your child can eat as soon as they feel able after the effects of the gas wear off. However, laughing gas may cause nausea, which is why it’s important not to eat before sedation. Therefore, the dentist may recommend that your child fasts for a few hours before the appointment.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is a good option for children with special needs or high anxiety and lengthier treatments. Dentists administer general anesthesia through an intravenous drip and can control the level of sedation necessary for the situation. IV sedation lets children sleep soundly for the duration of the procedure.

An empty stomach must accompany this method, so your child shouldn’t eat for at least six hours beforehand.

While these are common standards, each situation has varying factors. Be sure to check with your child’s dentist about fasting before their appointment.

It’s imperative to pay close attention to your dentist’s instructions on eating, as this may affect your child’s treatment or make the sedation less effective. For the best experience with sedation dentistry for kids, visit Luna Pediatric Dentistry.