Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – Nitrous Oxide is a gas that can help a patient relax during dental treatment and increase their tolerance to having somewhat uncomfortable procedures completed. Patients simply breathe in the air and it works quickly to decrease their anxiety. There are very little side effects and most kids are very excited about using it (they say they feel like they are in outer space!). At the end of the appointment, the patient simply breaths in oxygen for about 5 minutes and they are back to themselves and ready to go.
Oral Sedation – Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy and may even fall asleep but they will not become unconscious.
There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for conscious sedation. The doctor will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific drugs we plan to give to your child.
General Anesthesia – General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in the comfort of our office by Dr Jason Joseph, a hospital trained anesthesiologist. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment have been deemed to outweigh the risks.