Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child's nose allowing them to relax but not putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) as safe and effective for treating children. The gas is mild, easily taken, and is quickly eliminated from the body with normal breathing. It is not addictive and your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is available for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special management needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety associated with dental treatments. Your child should be relaxed, may be drowsy and may even fall asleep.

There are several different medications used for conscious sedation. Dr. Judd will prescribe the medication best suited for your child's dental treatment. Your child may be drowsy and should be monitored after the appointment.

I.V. Sedation

I.V. sedation is recommended for extremely apprehensive children, very young children needing extensive dental treatment and children with special management needs who would not work well under conscious sedation. Dr. Judd works in our office in combination with a dental anesthesiologist. Dr. Judd completes all dental treatment in our office with the child asleep utilizing I.V. sedation.

Your child should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight prior to the scheduled I.V. Sedation procedure. Your child will be quite drowsy after I.V. sedation and must be monitored with adult supervision for the remainder of the day.

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