For many restorative procedures, tooth extractions and other oral surgeries, sedation is often necessary to improve patient comfort and help keep restless children at ease. Different types of sedation can be necessary depending on your child’s anxiety level and the amount of treatment they need. Our mission is to ensure that all of our guests have positive and comfortable experiences during treatment, and Dr. Whittington will review all of the options with you so that you can choose the one that best fits your child’s needs.
Types of Sedation
We offer a two sedation options. The first type is the administration of a breathable gas known as nitrous oxide. Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is very mild but effective for easing fearful or anxious children. Its effects progress quickly, and as soon as the soft nasal mask that delivers the gas is removed, its effects wear off.
The second is general anesthesia. General anesthesia is an induced state of medical unconsciousness, and it is used for complex or long procedures. Administered intravenously, general anesthesia includes a combination of prescription analgesics and sedatives.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation presents many benefits to young patients – especially those with special needs, those who have anxiety about dental treatment and those receiving surgical care. The medication used in sedation dentistry promotes a calm and peaceful feeling that makes children feel comfortable and free of worry and is notably useful during procedures where stillness is ideal because treatment can be obstructed by fidgety movements. Lastly, sedation can prevent the development of dental phobias by helping patients develop positive associations with visits to the dentist.