Vickery Village
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Imagine your child undergoing complex dental treatment like a root canal or extraction. When treatment is complete, we are pleased to offer your child the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Our pediatric dental patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
Sedation dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.
Nitrous Oxide Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild-to-moderate anxiety in children. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child’s nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety.
Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through the mouth. As the gas begins to work, your child will become calm, although he or she will still be awake and able to talk with the dentist.
Your child will remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and will be able to breathe normally, but he or she will feel a great sense of relaxation. At the end of the appointment, your little one will resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear.
