Sedation Dentistry

We are pleased to offer your child the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Our pediatric dental patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

• A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
• A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
• A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.

Levels of Sedation

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated, and there are three sedative states at which your child's dentist can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

• Nitrous Oxide — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety in children. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child’s nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety. Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through their mouth. As the gas begins to work, your child will become calm, although he or she will still be awake and able to talk with the dentist. At the end of your child’s appointment, he or she will resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear. As your child gets older and becomes more comfortable during dental visits, nitrous oxide may not be necessary.
   
• Conscious Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of oral medication. With conscious sedation, your child will remain awake throughout the procedure but will be in a deep state of relaxation.
   
• IV Sedation/Deep Sedation — Beyond typical sedation treatments, our office has a pediatric anesthesiologist available to ensure all sedation is gentle, safe, and conservative. Intravenous (IV) sedation is a deep sleep that insulates your child from the stress and discomfort associated with dental procedures. Your doctor will gently place an IV and administer medication to help your child into a deeper state of relaxation.  

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for your child.