Our Procedures

Our Procedures
Sedation

Local Anesthetic
In the area where the local anesthetic is sprinkled, the tongue, teeth, lip and surrounding tissue will be numb or asleep. Often, children do not understand the effects of local anesthesia, and may chew, scratch, suck, or play with the numb lip, tongue, or cheek.  These actions can cause minor irritations or they can be severe enough to cause swelling and abrasions to the tissue.

Monitor your child closely for approximately two hours following the appointment.   It is often wise to keep your child on a liquid or soft diet until the anesthetic has worn off.

Nitrous oxide "Laughing Gas"
is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. When it is inhaled, it has a calming effect on children. The relaxed state it produces in the patient allows him/her to respond more favorably to treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is very safe. Your child will remain fully awake and alert and can respond easily to stimuli. It is eliminated quickly from the body with normal breathing.

Prior to the Nitrous Oxide Appointment
requires that your child has not had anything to eat or drink prior to the appointment.
Inform us of any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.

After the   Nitrous Oxide Appointment
the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five  minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Some children may experience minor nausea and constipation. 

Conscious Oral sedation
is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs to calm your child and reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments.

Medications are used to help increase cooperation and to reduce anxiety or discomfort associated with dental procedures. Sedative medications cause most children to become relaxed and drowsy and helps prevent injury to the child from uncontrolled or undesirable movement.

Sedation is used for a child’s safety and comfort during dental procedures. It  promotes a better environment for providing dental care.

Sedation can be used safely and effectively when administered by a pediatric dentist who follows the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your pediatric dentist will discuss sedation options and patient monitoring for the safety and comfort of your child.

Prior to the Oral Conscious Sedation Appointment

  • Please inform of us of any change to your child's health or medical condition. Contact us to consider postponing the appointment if your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold.
  • You must tell the doctor of any drugs your child is currently taking, and any drug reactions and/or changes in medical history.
  • Dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
  • Make sure your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
  • Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure and a sip of clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to six hours prior to the appointment.
  • The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
  • Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep them close to you. Do not let them "run around."
  • Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first.

After the Oral Conscious Sedation Appointment

  • Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
  • If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink to prevent dehydration. At first it's best to give your child sips of clear liquid to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
  • Because we use local anesthetic to numb the area during the procedure, your child might have a tendency to bite or chew the lips, cheeks, or tongue, or to rub and scratch the face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury.
  • Please call our office with any questions or concerns you might have.

IV Sedation
I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation. We perform the dental treatment in our office with the child anesthetized under I.V. sedation, which is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.

Prior to the IV Sedation Appointment:

  • Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
  • You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
  • Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
  • Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
  • Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure and a sip of clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to six hours prior to the appointment.
  • The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.

After the IV Sedation Appointment:

  • Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
  • If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
  • Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have
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