Sedation/General Anesthesia
Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for the dentist to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for special needs children. There are many safe and effective drugs available today that can help relax the child and promote a good environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide is an option for children who are apprehensive/anxious, or have strong gag reflexes. We administer this highly effective method in the form of an inhalation method using nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and oxygen.
Conscious sedation is an option for children who are a little more anxious or have multiple restorative needs. We administer this method in the form of a liquid to drink and often use nitrous oxide in combination with it.
Deep sedation/general anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment. After a consultation appointment, this treatment would be administered at a local surgery center or hospital.
