5 Simple Ways to Help Children Avoid Cavities
Setting up your child’s dental hygiene routine does not need to be too complicated, and you can adopt five simple yet effective ways to help them avoid cavities.
If you are one of the many people that do not like the sound of the dental drill or just have an unexplained desire to NOT go to the dentist – don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!
Le by An Dental is one of the few nitrous and sedation-certified dental clinics in Singapore and our clinic is trained to take good care of people with dental phobia. We have a range of advanced management techniques to help you along, and one of our most popular requests is for sedation dentistry (including laughing gas and intravenous sedation), both for children and adults alike.
Nitrous oxide (ie. laughing gas) sedation and IV sedation with a trained anesthetist are traditionally and safely used to deliver dental treatment to anxious patients in a more calming environment and mindset.
Sedation dentistry in Singapore involves administering a sedative drug before or during a dental procedure to help patients feel calm and comfortable, especially during long procedures. It is especially used for kids’ dentistry as the little ones tend to be more hesitant in unfamiliar environments.
Although sedation dentistry is often referred to as sleep dentistry, patients are almost always awake so they can hear and respond to the dentist’s instructions.
The following types of sedation are typically used in dentistry:
At Le By An Dental, we commonly use nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Their sedating effects wear off almost immediately after the procedure. There is no downtime; you are safe to resume regular activities after!
The dentist will examine your dental health and records and prescribe the best course of action for your dental concerns. We will come up with a treatment plan tailored for you. They will also outline sedation options, of which IV sedation is chosen very often. It helps to have a list of questions ready beforehand to ask the dental team about your well-being during the procedure, including the recommended sedative.
On the appointed day, the dentist and anaesthesiologist will prep you for the IV sedation and the subsequent dental procedure. They will gently insert the IV line into your arm to deliver the sedative. They will ensure that the correct dosage is given and adjust it in real time. Once you feel its effects, the dentist will begin the dental procedure while you relax. They will check in occasionally to ensure you are OK and if they need to adjust the sedative amount.
Once the procedure is complete, a quick follow-up check is held to monitor your condition and ensure you have regained awareness and have stable vitals. Side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, or other signs as the sedative wears off. The dental team will also advise you on the following aftercare instructions to help with recovery and improve outcomes.
Because the sedative goes directly into the bloodstream, its effects kick in much more quickly than other methods. Once the IV is placed, you will be sedated within a few minutes.
Even after being sedated, you will be partially aware of your surroundings and can still hear the dentist or other staff and respond to verbal cues. However, you will barely feel anything else or remember much of what happened throughout the procedure.
Sedation levels required can vary, even for adults in similar age groups. Being able to adjust the sedation dosage ensures that only a sufficient amount is used for sedation before the procedure begins.
Any doctor’s appointment can feel somewhat scary, even to adults. IV sedation minimises the anxiety; and you will remain calm during the dental procedure.
In general, IV sedation’s effects wear off faster than General anesthesia, ensuring you can be back on your feet doing your favourite activities as soon as possible!
Sedation/nitrous dentistry is suitable for anyone with:
We welcome patients from all walks of life. Our sedation dentistry for children is very safe and the dosage is adjusted according to your child’s age and weight.
Nitrous oxide is suitable for anyone afraid of going to the dentist regardless of procedure; but it is commonly used for long dental treatments such as;
Sedation dentistry is generally very safe and suitable for adults and children. However, if you fall into any of the following categories, you may not be suitable for sedation dentistry or laughing gas:
Please speak to our friendly team of dentists to discuss how we can make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Periodontist - Special interest in digital dental implants and root recession coverage
Dr. Hu Cidong graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and subsequently completed his Master's in Dental Surgery (Periodontology) at NUS.
Orthodontist - Special Interest In Invisalign And Growth Modulation
Dr Ivan Prabowo graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from NUS in 2008. He honed his skills in government polyclinics and hospitals before embarking on his orthodontics residency, supported by the Alexandra Health scholarship.
General Dentist - Creative Smile Design and Aesthetics
Dr Kayla Toh graduated with the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from the National University of Singapore. She was awarded the IFDEA Medal for being the best student in Paediatric Dentistry. She is also the recipient of the 1st runner up-prize for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.
General Dentist - Your All-in-one Family Dentist
Dr. Yuan graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She has amassed a wealth of experience working in government institutions such as polyclinics, the National Dental Centre, the Institute of Mental Health, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as well as nearly 10 years of experience in the private sector.
Orthodontic Resident - Special Interest In Invisalign And Aesthetic Dentistry
Dr Carla Andreina graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK) with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and was awarded the Head of College Scholars’ List for her achievements. She went on to pursue her passion in teeth straightening and is undergoing her Masters degree in Orthodontics in the National University of Singapore (NUS), while also honing her skills in clear aligner techniques through mini residency structured programmes.
The duration varies depending on the type of sedation used:
Nitrous Oxide: The effects wear off within minutes once the mask is removed.
IV Sedation: The effects typically last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the individual and the procedure.
Generally, patients do not feel any pain during sedation dentistry. Here’s what to expect for each type:
Nitrous Oxide: Patients can possibly still feel sensitivity but typically feel no pain. They will feel drowsy, happy and relaxed throughout the procedure. You will be able to respond to the dentist when we talk to you.
IV Sedation: Patients can be partially aware of their surroundings and can still hear the dentist or other staff They can also respond to verbal cues. However, you will barely feel anything and be unable to remember much of what happened during the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is done in the clinic and patients are able to respond verbally. The purpose of sedation is keep the patient calm and comfortable during a dental procedure. The patient may remain awake or fall into a light sleep depending on the level of sedation.
General Anaesthesia is the deepest form of anesthesia and is usually carried out in a Day surgery centre (not in our clinic) The patient does not feel pain during the procedure. It generally renders the patient completely unconscious and is typically used for more complex or invasive dental procedures.
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation used, the length of the procedure, and the complexity of the dental treatment involved. Nitrous oxide is typically the more affordable option, while IV sedation and general anaesthesia cost more due to the additional anaesthesiologist fees and monitoring involved. Speak to our team for a personalised quote based on your treatment plan.
Yes. Root canals can be a longer and more involved procedure, making sedation a good option for patients with dental anxiety or a low pain threshold. Nitrous oxide is often sufficient for keeping patients calm throughout, while IV sedation may be recommended for more complex cases or longer sessions.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is generally considered the safest and mildest form of sedation, as its effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask and it has minimal side effects. IV sedation is also safe when administered by a trained anaesthetist, with dosage adjusted in real time throughout the procedure. The safest option for you depends on your medical history, so our dental team will assess your suitability beforehand.
This depends on the type of sedation used. After nitrous oxide, patients can typically resume normal activities, including walking home, right after the procedure since its effects wear off almost immediately. After IV sedation or general anaesthesia, patients should not walk home alone or drive, as the sedative may cause drowsiness. It’s recommended to arrange for someone to accompany you home.
Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. Patients may feel some drowsiness or grogginess as the sedative wears off, and mild side effects like nausea can occur. We recommend getting sufficient rest, avoiding strenuous activity for the first 1 to 2 days, staying hydrated, and sticking to soft foods if you feel discomfort. Most patients feel back to normal within a day.
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