Sedation & Anesthesia For Kids
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is offered through our office for patients with severe dental anxiety and those whom are too young to successfully undergo treatment in the dental chair. Our doctors perform all general anesthesia cases at local hospitals with the help of an anesthesiologist.
For more information on the different sedation options offered at our office, please ask the doctor for further details at your initial consultation visit.
Sedation & Anesthesia For Kids
Young children with dental pain or an infection can require treatment at any age. That means sometimes your child may need to go under general anesthesia or sedation.
Reasons A Child May Undergo Anesthesia or Sedation:
- Some dental procedures require your child to lie completely still
- There may be a lot to fix and it is much more comfortable and easier to have the child be under.
- The noise of the drill may be scary.
Are Dental Procedures Involving Sedation and Anesthesia safe?
The goal is always to provide the safest, most pain-free treatment. The guidelines for using general anesthesia and sedation are consistently updated to make sure the latest techniques are used in dentist offices who strive to be as safe as possible, such as ourselves.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is a mild inhalation agent that is intended to decrease anxiety and deliver a calming affect. We have found it to work best during restorative treatment for patients who have mild anxiety and could use a little extra help. The nitrous oxide is delivered through a nasal hood and provides a mild euphoric sensation to better help patients tolerate treatment. Children often report feeling a little floaty with mild tingling sensations in their hands. Upon completion of treatment the nasal hood is flushed with 100% oxygen and the mild effects are rapidly reversed.
Some Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia:
- Provides mild relaxation
- Mild pain reliever, enabling our pediatric dentist to do small fillings without numbing
- Reduces gag reflex
- Has no residual effects following the appointment
- The patient receives five minutes of 100% oxygen before leaving the chair
Before Your Child’s Nitrous Oxide Appointment
Some children will cry upon seeing a parent after treatment. (This may happen as the nitrous oxide leaves their system.) Please avoid showing emotion as this may increase your child’s distress. Always be positive about their visit.
Some children become nauseous after receiving N20 if they have had food or milk. To lessen this side effect, please DO NOT allow your child to eat solid foods or have anything to drink (other than clear liquids) for at least three hours before their dental visit.
If your child is congested a couple of days before, or on, the treatment date, we will need to reschedule this appointment. You will need to give our office as much notice as possible in order to avoid a broken appointment fee.
Pre-Operative Instructions – Nitrous Oxide
Prior to your appointment:
- Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
- Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
- Please refrain from allowing your child food or drink for a minimum of 2 hours prior to appointment time. When your child has food in their stomach when we administer Nitrous Oxide, they often times become nauseous and vomiting.
