Sedation Dentistry

Many children become anxious in the dental office and cannot relax or sit still long enough for the dentist to treat them. Sedation Dentistry allows calming effects that permit both examination and corrective work to be accomplished more easily. Our trained sedation personnel will explain all the alternatives to you. We realize that each person has special needs.

At Dental Works 4 Kids, we are Certified to offer three types of sedation

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Some children who are mildly anxious may be 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 Canadian and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, non-addictive, easily taken, and eliminated from the body quickly, once normal breathing resumes. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all natural reflexes.

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.
• Your child should not have any food or drink for at least 2 hours prior to Nitrous appointment

Oral Sedation

Conscious Sedation is sometimes recommended for more apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may experience drowsiness, but they will not become unconscious.

Prior to your appointment:

• Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Please notify us if your child has a fever, ear infection or cold.
• You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
• Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
• Your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours prior to their sedation appointment and only clear liquids for up to 2 hours before the appointment.
• The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
• Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep them close to you. Do not let them “run around.”

After the sedation appointment:

• Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
• Encourage your child to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
• If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
• Because we may use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during the procedure, your child may have the tendency to bite or chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury to these areas.

Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have.