Kid-Friendly Dental Sedation Services If your child suffers from dental anxiety, there are many things we can do for them to relieve their anxious thoughts and keep them calm during their appointments.

What are the sedation options for kids?

Laughing Gas

Laughing gas is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is administered through a nose mask during dental treatments. It can be used for routine appointments to keep anxious kids relaxed while still allowing them to be fully conscious and aware of their surroundings during treatment. It’s an excellent option for children with mild to moderate anxiety or children whose gag reflexes interfere with dental services. Laughing gas is also strong enough to be used for treatments like root canals and dental extractions, but the effects quickly subside once the mask is removed and the child breathes in normal oxygen for a few minutes.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This type of sedation involves taking oral medication before a dentist appointment begins to relieve anxious thoughts and fall into a more relaxed state. Oral conscious sedation is sometimes recommended for children who do not have good coping skills, moderate or severe anxiety, or are too young to remain still and follow instructions reliably. Patients will not be unconscious if this option is chosen, but they may become so drowsy that they fall asleep during their appointment. Your dentist will prescribe the safest and most effective medication based on your child’s health and dental procedure.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is usually used for more extensive dental treatments, and patients are rendered unconscious for the duration of their appointment. Dental services that use general anesthesia are performed on an outpatient basis at a nearby hospital to ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely. Your child will likely feel groggy or disoriented after their appointment, so we recommend letting them take it easy for the rest of the day following an appointment where general anesthesia is used. We always weigh the risks and benefits of using general anesthesia and never recommend it if we don’t think it is the best option for your child.