If your child needs any major dental work done, such as a tooth extraction, multiple fillings, etc., then they will likely need to be sedated for the procedure. Since your child is being sedated, there are certain things that you should do to prepare for this process. This article will discuss 3 tips for preparing for major dental work on your child.

Restrict Food And Water Intake

Part of preparing for your child to be sedated for their dental procedure includes restricting their food and water intake. If you fail to do this, they may vomit during the procedure, which can be life threatening for them. You should monitor your child closely and ensure that they don't have open access to food or water in the hours prior to the procedure. It can often help to schedule the procedure as early in the morning as possible, so that they don't have to spend a great deal of their time awake and hungry before the procedure.

Make Sure That They Have A Secure Seat To Sit In After The Procedure

Once your child's dental procedure is completed, you will then be required to sit with them a bit before you drive them home. This helps them to return to consciousness enough for them to recognize you and their surroundings. However, because they are still going to be disoriented, it is important that you have a secure seat for them to sit in on the ride home. If your child is still in a 3-point harness car seat, then this is fine. However, if they generally sit in a booster seat or a regular seat belt, then you may want someone to sit in the back of the car with them to help ensure they are safe and not flopping around during the ride home.

Take Extra Steps To Make Your Home Safe

Once your child gets home from the dentist, they are still going to be dealing with the after effects of the procedure. This will generally include dizziness. Because dizziness can create an increased risk for falling, it is important that you make your home as safe as possible for them. Try confining them to a room that has no stairs that they could potentially fall down, as well as sharp objects that they could bump into. You likely don't want to lay them in a bed either, because they could easily fall out of the bed and onto the floor. A good alternative is to make them a bed on the floor. 

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