Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (N20-02); known as laughing gas.
This option is helpful for patients who are cooperative, however, slightly anxious. It is also helpful for patients that are cooperative, but need extensive dental work. It is a safe and mild sedative that is inhaled by the nose. It has a calming effect that helps anxious and fearful patients relax during their dental treatment, and also reduces any uncomfortable stimuli. In order to be effective, it is important that your child breathes through their nose and avoids mouth breathing throughout the procedure. At the end of the appointment your child breathes 100% Oxygen for a few minutes. Nitrous is quickly eliminated from the body with normal breathing. Side effects are rare, but can include mild headaches and nausea.
If Nitrous is not enough to relax your child during dental treatment then
Conscious Oral Sedation is an option.
Conscious Oral Sedation
This is a behavior management technique where a liquid medication is given to reduce anxiety. Through this type of sedation your child will experience deep relaxation while being conscious. If your child has a fear of dental treatment or injections, has had past traumatic experiences, or needs extensive dental work, your child may benefit from Oral Sedation.
Your child will drink one or more of the following medications 30-60 min prior to treatment: The dose depends on their weight.
Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril) is primarily an antihistamine that relaxes your child, induces drowsiness and prevents nausea and vomiting. It is used in combination with other medications.
Midazolam (brand name Versed) is primarily and anti-anxiety agent, produces amnesia, and is a muscle relaxant.
Diazepam (brand name Valium) is used for management of anxiety and to provide light sedation and amnesia. Your child may be quite drowsy, but they will not become unconscious.
At all times during the oral sedation procedure, a dental assistant is monitoring your child through the use of a pulse oximeter. This enables the dentist to monitor your child's oxygen level and respirations per minute.
If Oral Sedation is not enough to help your child relax, then General Anesthesia is another suitable option.
Oral Sedation Consent form to print