Pediatric dentists specialize in treating children and assisting them in feeling comfortable and relaxed. Sedation in dentistry refers to the use of several different methods to promote improved coping skills during dental procedures. Often very young children, highly anxious children, and some children with special needs are candidates for sedation. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes sedation as a safe and effective technique in treating children’s dental needs.
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas”, is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It is administered for a mild sedative effect to accomplish dental treatment. While inhaling nitrous oxide, your child remains fully conscious and more relaxed.
Conscious sedation is a management technique for children who have a level of anxiety that prevents good coping skills or are very young and do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion for proper dental treatment.
Conscious sedation usually involves the use of medications at doses calculated to the child’s weight, along with the use of nitrous oxide, that help alleviate the child’s anxiety and promote a comfortable environment for providing dental care. The patients remain conscious while in a more sedated state, with constant monitoring of vital signs. Before administering any sedative medication, Dr. Krieger and/or Dr. Gulati will discuss with the parent the process of pre- and post-sedation instructions.
