Sedation/Post-Op
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Laughing gas is the common term for Nitrous Oxide. This is a safe and mild method used during dental procedures. Your child will be awake and responsive throughout the procedure, in a more relaxed state. Because this type of dentistry is short-lived with a gentle effect, it is often used for children. Nitrous oxide puts patients at ease so they can remain relaxed during dental procedures allowing the anxious child a more pleasant dental experience! We customize each case individually and will discuss sedation only if necessary.
Intravenous "IV" Sedation
Many children suffer from dental anxiety, feeling extreme fear that keeps them from attending dental visits. We want all patients to receive excellent dental care in spite of their dental anxiety. To this end, we offer in-house IV sedation dentistry from an anesthesiologist, to ensure the comfort of our patients. If your child suffers from a fear of going to the dentist, call us today to learn more about intravenous "IV" sedation.
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation (OCS) is a safe, effective, and non-invasive method to help increase cooperation and reduce anxiety and discomfort/pain associated with dental treatment. Various medications can be used to sedate a child. Drugs will be selected based on your child’s age, overall health, level of anxiety, and dental treatment recommendations.
Once the medications have been administered orally, it may take up to an hour or more before your child shows signs of sedation and is ready for dental treatment. In addition to the oral medication, nitrous oxide gas will be used in conjunction to help achieve an ideal level of sedation. Most children become relaxed and/or drowsy and may drift into a light sleep from which they can be aroused easily. Unlike general anesthesia, sedation is not intended to make a patient unconscious or unresponsive. Some children may not experience relaxation but an opposite reaction such as agitation or crying. This response to the medication may prevent us from completing the dental procedures.
OCS is only effective about 90% of the time with proper case selection. It is much more effective than using nitrous oxide alone. Parents are allowed in the room.