Pediatric Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, and general anesthetic.

Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps, or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal treatments often require sedation.

When IV sedation is used, Dr. Whatley calls in Dr. Kathryn Bietenholz, MD and her team. She is a pediatric anesthesiologist who comes to the office to help care for children during certain procedures. Learn more about her at PediatricSedation.com.

The American Dental Association supports sedation as a useful tool for making many patients comfortable during dental visits. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.

"Laughing Gas"

Nitrous, or laughing gas, is a safe and effective way to reduce children's anxiety and pain during dental procedures. It is a sedative that works by calming the central nervous system. It is not a painkiller, but it can help to make the child more comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.

Nitrous is administered through a mask that the child wears over their nose and mouth. Our pediatric dentist will adjust the gas flow to provide the child with the desired level of sedation. The child will feel a pleasant, relaxed feeling and may even giggle or laugh. They will still be aware of what is happening but feel less anxious and pain.

Nitrous is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety and pain during dental procedures for children. It is a good option for children anxious about going to the dentist or having difficulty sitting still during dental procedures.

Here are some of the benefits of nitrous oxide for children:

• Reduces anxiety. Nitrous "laughing gas" can help to reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures.
• Reduces pain. Nitrous "laughing gas" can help to reduce pain during dental procedures.
• Improves cooperation. Nitrous "laughing gas" can help children to be more cooperative during dental procedures.
• Is safe. Nitrous "laughing gas" is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety and pain during dental procedures for children.