At Rochester Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we tailor your child’s treatment to meet their comfort level and unique needs. We offer three types of pediatric dental sedation at our office depending on the care your child requires.

thumb-ped-ser-restorative-07-nitroud

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is given through a soft nose piece. Laughing gas can be used safely and effectively to help relax your child throughout their dental treatment. Laughing gas is not intended to put your child to sleep. It is designed to help your child feel calm and a little less worried.  Many children find the warm, dreaming, and floating sensation of laughing gas comforting and the effects wear off within minutes when treatment is completed.

Moderate Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is intended for children with moderate dental anxiety and who may need longer or more complex procedures. Oral conscious sedation is administered by our trained pediatric specialist in either pill and/or syrup form and can have greater effects of relaxation than is achieved by nitrous oxide alone . The purpose of sedation is to minimize physical discomfort, control anxiety, and to maximize the potential for amnesia while allowing the safe completion of the dental procedure. Conscious sedation will calm your child and reduce any anxiety surrounding dental treatment.

IV Sedation/ General Anesthesia

For some patients, our pediatric dental specialist may recommend general anesthesia through an IV to safely complete the work that is needed to return your child’s smile to optimal health. We recommend IV sedation for patients who may be extremely anxious or fearful, have extensive treatment needs, or for patients who may have disabilities that could limit their understanding of directions and therefore impede their ability to be treated safely.

Your child will be unconscious during treatment, and sedation is given under the care of an experienced anesthesiologist. IV sedation allows us to complete treatment in one, pain-free visit.

Is Sedation Right for My Child?

In summary, sedation dentistry can be helpful when:

  • There is an extensive amount of dental treatment needed
  • Your child is apprehensive or very anxious about receiving dental treatment
  • Your child has unique needs that make dental treatment more difficult

Please feel free to discuss your child’s needs and concerns with us. Contact our office today to see how we can help.