Sedation Dentistry for Children
Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all natural reflexes.
Prior to your appointment:
Outpatient General Anesthesia
Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Most pediatric medical literature places the risk of a serious reaction in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far better than the assumed risk of even driving a car daily. The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment. The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.
Prior to your appointment:
After the appointment:
Children’s Dental Procedures
Dental Radiographs | Fluoride | Sealing Out Tooth Decay | Pulp Therapy | EZPEDO Crowns
Sedation Dentistry for Children | Dental Emergencies | Early Orthodontic Treatment
Mouth Guards | Pediatric Dental Appliances | Our Videos | AAPD Education Center
Children’s Dental Procedures
Dental Radiographs | Fluoride | Sealing Out Tooth Decay | Pulp Therapy
EZPEDO Crowns | Sedation Dentistry for Children | Dental Emergencies
Early Orthodontic Treatment | Mouth Guards | Pediatric Dental Appliances