Sedation
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Some children are anxious for dental procedures and to help calm them nitrous oxide/oxygen is an excellent tool. This is also referred to as laughing gas or happy gas. Nitrous Oxide/oxygen is administered through a tiny breathing mask that is placed over the child’s nose to help them relax Without falling asleep. This approach is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as a very safe and effective technique for aiding in treatment of children’s dental problems. The gas is odorless and easily to consume. It is quickly removed from the body with normal breathing . It is not addicting in any way. Your child will be completely conscious and has all-natural responses while inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please let us know if your child's health or medical condition changes.
- Please let us know if your child has a respiratory condition that makes breathing by nose difficult. this may limit effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Please let us know if your child is taking any medications the day of the appointment.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious Oral Sedation
For anxious children, very young children, and children with special needs, conscious sedation is recommended. It is used to help your child relax and cope with the stress and discomfort that comes with dental procedures. It is possible that your child may become tired or even fall asleep, BUT THEY WILL NOT BE UNCONSCIOUS.
There are a number of medications that can be used for conscious sedation. The dentist will recommend the medication that is ideal for your child’s overall health and dental care. We will be pleased to answer any questions you have about the medication we’ll be administering to your child.
Pre-sedation Instructions:
On the day of your appointment, you will be at the office for at least 2 hours. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE COMPLETELY “UNDER”.
- Nothing to eat or drink after MIDNIGHT; however, if your child takes a prescription medicine, they should take it as directed by their doctor if it can be taken on an empty stomach.
- Your child will be unable to return to school or daycare for the remainder of the day.
- Please contact us immediately if your child has a fever, is congested, or has a runny nose so that we can reschedule your child’s appointment
- To allow for easy access to arms for a blood pressure cuff, your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or no sleeves.
- Please ensure that your child goes to the restroom before we start treatment.
- Please keep a watchful eye on your child as the medication takes action. keep them close to you. Don’t allow kids to “run around” waiting area.
- The parent or legal guardian of the child must remain in the office throughout the procedure.
- You will be in office for 2 hours on the day of appointment . Nothing to eat or drink after 12 am (Midnight)
Post-op Instructions:
- Your child will be drowsy and need to be closely monitored.
- Keep your child away from areas where he or she could be harmed.
- Place your child on their side, with their chin up or on their back, if they want to sleep.
- To avoid dehydration, wake your child up every hour and encourage them to drink something.
- To avoid sickness, give your child little sips of clear liquids at first. The initial meal should be light and easy to digest.
- If your child vomits, assist them in bending over and turning their head to the side to avoid inhaling the vomit.
- Because we numb your child’s mouth with a local anesthetic during the operation, your child may bite or chew their lips, cheeks and /or tongue, as well as rub or “itch” their face afterward. TRY TO AVOID THIS. PLEASE KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON YOUR CHILD TO AVOID INJURY TO THIS AREAS.
- If you have any questions or issues, please contact our office.
I.V. Sedation
For very anxious children, very young children, and children with special needs who would not work well under conscious sedation, I>V> sedation would be recommended. the child is put under IV anesthesia, which is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist, while the dentist performs the dental treatment in our office.
Prior to your appointment/ Pre-op instructions
- Please let us know if your child’s health or medical condition changes.
- If your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold, DO NOT bring them in for treatment. if your child becomes ill, please contact us to determine if the appointment needs to be rescheduled.
- Any medications your child is currently taking, as well as any drug reactions, MUST be disclosed to dentist.
- Please dress you child in comfortable, loose-fitting attire
- Please ensure that your child goes to the restroom right before treatment begins.
- NOTHING TO EAT OR DRING AFTER MIDNIGHT! (IF THIS IS NOT FOLLOWED SURGERY WILL NEED TO B RECHEDULED!)
- The parent or legal guardian of the child must be in the office throughout the procedure.
Post-op Instructions
- Your child will be drowsy and need to be closely monitored.
- Keep your child away from areas where he or she could be harmed.
- Place your child on their side, with their chin up, if they want to sleep.
- To avoid dehydration, wake your child up every hour and encourage them to drink something.
- To avoid sickness, give your child little sips of clear liquids at first. The initial meal should be light and easy to digest.
- If your child vomits, assist them in bending over and turning their head to the side to avoid inhaling the vomit.
- Because we numb your child’s mouth with a local anesthetic during the operation, your child may bite or chew their lips, cheeks and/or tongue, as well as rub or “itch” their face afterward. TRY TO AVOID THIS. PLEASE KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON YOUR CHILD TO AVOID INJURY TO THESE AREAS.
- If you have any questions or issues, please contact our office.