Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry involves administering a mild sedative (calming medicine) to manage a child with anxiety or special needs while receiving dental care.
Sedation may be necessary when a child has several procedures which may require longer appointments, a child who finds it difficult to sit still or a strong gag reflex. Below you will find a list of our office sedation treatment options.

1) Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen
Nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as laughing gas) is a safe, commonly used sedation that helps the child relax and feel less apprehensive about treatment. The child will not have any after-effects from the nitrous oxide when they leave our office. Nitrous Oxide is beneficial for the mildly apprehensive child who has no problem with cooperation.

2) Valium Sedation
Valium Sedation is for a cooperative patient that is still apprehensive. This is used along with nitrous oxide to help the child relax. A prescribed Valium tablet is to be administered by the dentist one hour prior to the appointment. A strict diet, including a light meal, is allowed 12 hours proper to the appointment. During this time no dairy products are to be consumed. This method is used for all ages to overcome the fear of the dental office. After repeated use of Valium sedation, patients normally become more comfortable in the dental office and no longer needs a prescribed sedation.

3) Oral Sedation Medication
Versed or Vistaril is the most common drug used in our office for the oral sedation technique. This medication will make the child drowsy but will not put the child completely to sleep. They are able to be aroused at all times. This method is used for young patients up to age 6 who are moderately apprehensive or have a significant amount of work to be done. The child must not have anything to eat or drink 6 hours prior to the appointment and the last meal they eat should be a light meal (no fried, greasy foods such as hamburgers or French fries). Example of a good meal would be soup, noodles, or pasta. You should bring the child into the office 30 minutes before the appointment so we can give them the oral medication. Please limit your child’s physical activity after the appointment. It is recommended that he/she remain indoors resting. If the child has a runny nose, congestion or cough we should then reschedule their appointment.

4) IV Sedation
A dental anesthesiologist is appointed with the child in the office to deliver intravenous sedation medication to put the child completely to sleep. If at all possible, all treatment is performed at one time. This method is used for the uncooperative child who will not allow treatment any other way. IV sedation may be used on children whose treatment can be completed in less than 2 hours or when the child is in need of treatment of the four front teeth or up to 2 back teeth.

5) General Anesthesia – Hospital Day Surgery
The child is seen in the hospital or surgery center for day surgery. The type of synesthesia Is similar to that for placing ear tubes or a tonsillectomy. All work is performed at one time. This method is used for the completely uncooperative child who has significant amount of work to be done.