Is there a good natural sedation for dental?

[Karalina]

I have a 15 month old who needs to have a filling. We are doing it with Waterlase (laser) which means hopefully NO PAIN, no drilling. (I found out about it here on these boards, thank you!!!) The dentist gave us valium to use before the procedure, but I want to use something all natural- probably herbal or homeopathic. Do you know of anything that would be strong enough for a dental procedure? Thanks so much-

[melamama]

check out homeopathic arnica-we've always found it to be especially helpful at the dentist (as well as for so many other kinds of injurys)

before the dentist--when mine have been scheduled for work--I give arnica and aconite, then possibly arnica again after. dd has had lots of work done and never needed anything more.

since he is giving valium before that's probably for sedation (although personally I would hesitate to give a 15 mo valium), that's what the homeopathic aconite would help with-the fear, while the arnica would be for the pain

[bionicsquirrel]

Well I have been around when it comes to dental problems with my ds. We tried the valium thing...he didn't get sleepy and it only made him freak out more, though other's dc's have had success. I guess it depends a lot on the personality type of the child.

Arnica will help with swelling after the filling is done, but will do nothing for the anxiety. I do not think you will find a homeopathic or herb to calm a child enough to have dental surgery done on them.

I finally opted to have ds put under with IV sedation. I was a nervous wreck, but he was fine. (he had a much more extreme issue than your child has)


A while back Smilemomma gave the suggestion of using the essential oil Roman Chamomile right before the visit. She said that she uses it on her own patients and when rubbed on the feet and temples it will often calm children down so much that they fall asleep. The only downfall is that it is really pricey.

Good luck and don't worry too much. After my ds and the valium, he slept for a couple of hours, then ate and the drug was gone from his system.

[malamamama]

It sounds like this is not a really deep cavity. Yes? No?
Some options for sedation.....
Rescue Remedy to calm.
Peace & Calming essential oil on the temples and Roman Chamomile on the feet to calm is what I remember Smile recommending.
Wrapping her in a cozy blanket. Are you holding her?
Soft, calm talking can be hypnotic.
Accupressure.
Dd had a sedative that was an antihistamine. It worked until she got in the chair and then it seemed like she had nothing.
Hopefully the procedure is short and she will sail thru!

[KirstenMary]

Jordan just had some dental work done, and we did not give her anything. A screaming baby is a living baby.

And, no, she was not in any pain.

[Karalina]

thanks! I'm still hoping there is something that will make him as sleepy as the valium.......... I DO hesitate to give him valium. I will do all the things mentioned- thank you so much for the feedback. There is also a calm child herbal remedy with chamolmile and kava kava and then there is the happy camper herbal pill that someone recommended. Has anyone used either of these or simlilar?

[melamama]

the homeopathic aconite remedy is used for fear associated with dental work--so that would include the sedative effect you are looking for.

my dd has had several cavities filled that required drilling as well as just enduring being in the chair with the intrusion of the dentist working in her mouth. the aconite has always helped, and the dentist has always been able to work on her teeth, and after he is done she is perfectly fine--not drugged up--and never has had any pain after (which I attribute to the arnica)

I haven't used either herbal that you mention, but I have a friend who gives her kids a chamomile herbal thing before dentistry with good results.