Sedation dentistry is a great option for many reasons.  If you have extensive dental work that needs to be done, if you have no time to spend making numerous appointments in order to complete a treatment, or if you are just afraid of climbing up into that dental chair and exposing your oral cavity to a stranger and his/her tools. 

No matter how kind, sensitive and understanding a dentist may be, some people are so apprehensive and fearful that it is nearly impossible for a dental team to complete a treatment.  This is especially true when it comes to children because they are not easily calmed through reason.

For this reason, sedation dentistry is a great option for children.  You will typically want to consult with the child's medical doctor before choosing sedation to make sure that they consider your child's medical history, allergies, or other needs and concerns to decide which method of sedation is best. 

Sedation methods can be administered by mouth, intravenously (IV), nitrous oxide (relaxing air), or intramuscular (IM).   Oftentimes a combination of these methods is used.  A little introduction of each of these methods is as follows:
    Intravenous sedation or IV sedation requires that you receive the sedative through an IV, usually in your arm.  This method is often used in out-patient procedures performed in the office of oral surgeons.  IV sedation works well for short appointments or for phobic or fearful patients who want to be totally relaxed and have little memory of their appointment.  IM or intramuscular sedation is also recommended in these cases.  In many cases, by the time your I.V. is started you are already extremely comfortable and relaxed because you have already taken an oral sedative pill (discussed below) prior to your appointment.  You may also be on nitrous oxide air so that starting the I.V. will not bother you at all.  The I.V. provides your fluids during your sedation appointment and provides the necessary medications to keep you very relaxed during your appointment.
    Certain sedation medications can be given I.M. (intra-muscular) in an arm or leg muscle. Doctors typically use only enough sedation medication to keep you safely comfortable throughout your appointment.
    Oral sedation is another method often used in dental offices.  This method requires that you take a pill that will put you in a relaxed, restful, and amnesic state.   This method is considered very safe because you need no assistance breathing, your reflexes are still intact, and it is very difficult to overdose on the medication.  A popular oral medication is called Halcion which relaxes you, causes drowsiness, and has effects to help you get a great nights sleep the night before your dental appointment.  This sedative is placed under your tongue and dissolves, taken up immediately by your bloodstream. Its action starts much sooner and more effectively versus taking the pill by swallowing it.  If swallowed, it must pass through your stomach where it is diluted and taken up much more slowly.
    Nitrous oxide is a gas that helps you achieve a relaxed state where you are less apprehensive, stress-free, and are able to complete your needed care. Many patients who are apprehensive or fearful can complete their dental care comfortably with the help of nitrous oxide.

Normally during a dental sedation procedure you will be under "conscious sedation".  This means that you will not be totally unconscious but rather, you will be extremely relaxed and able to communicate and follow directions.  The bonus for you as a patient is that you will remember little, if anything at all about the procedure.  You will be monitored using a medical device to keep track of your blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.  Additionally, your blood oxygen will usually be monitored.  However, all your reflexes will still function normally so you will have no trouble breathing on your own.

In summary, using sedation for children can be a great option to ease fears and prevent too much apprehension when it comes to getting dental procedures done.  There are several sedative options to choose from.  Make sure to consult your child's dentist and medical doctor to be sure which one is right for your child.