If your child feels nervous about going to the dentist, he or she may benefit from IV sedation. This form of sedation does not make your child unconscious, but he or she may not remember much of what happens during the treatment. Your child may slur their words, and they may fall asleep during the treatment as well.

IV is a moderate form of sedation, and it is quick acting because it is administered directly through a vein, unlike nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Our pediatric dentists are

also able to easily adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure, so you can rest assured that your child will be comfortable throughout their appointment. The effects of IV sedation often last 12-24 hours, so be certain to have a family member or other responsible adult available to stay with your child following their treatment.

IV sedation is a great choice for our young patients who suffer from dental anxiety. This anxiety may be caused by fear of the unknown in a new treatment, or from the normal smells, sounds, and sights of a dental office. If your child experiences dental anxiety, please contact our office today and find out whether IV sedation is a good choice for your child. We are happy to answer your questions and provide

you with the information you need.

Does your child ever feel nervous about visiting the dentist? Does their upcoming treatment make them feel anxious? If so, your child may benefit from nitrous oxide

sedation at our office. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that your child will inhale through a nose mask during your treatment. As your child breathes in

the nitrous oxide, which is mixed with oxygen, they will experience a relaxed, euphoric sensation. Nitrous oxide can help your child feel calm and at ease throughout their

treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation is very safe; the effects will wear off within just a few minutes after we remove your nose mask.

Nitrous oxide is a good option for any of our patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. If your child feels anxious because they are receiving a treatment you have not experienced before, or if they simply dislike the sounds and sights of the dental office, we may recommend nitrous oxide to help your child feel more relaxed. Be certain to discuss your concerns with our pediatric dentists and dental team before your child's visit so we can help you feel more comfortable during their treatment.

General anesthesia is a strong form of sedation that will put your child to sleep during their treatment. We may recommend this type of sedation in order to help make it

safer for our pediatric dentists to perform complex and potentially uncomfortable treatments. Your child will be unconscious during the treatment, so they will not be able to move or to feel any pain. This makes it a more relaxing and comfortable experience for your child, as well as making it easier and safer for our doctors to perform the needed treatment.

Our dentists may suggest general anesthesia for a variety of reasons. We will be certain to discuss these reasons with the child’s parent or legal guardian before any

anesthesia is administered. General anesthesia may be a good choice for your child if your child:

• Has difficulty relaxing enough for a procedure to be safely and properly completed
• Requires advanced or complex treatment such as root canal therapy or oral surgery, which may not be tolerable without sedation
• Needs to receive multiple treatments in a single appointment
• Has a disability that limits their ability to be properly treated in the dental chair

While our doctors are trained in providing several forms of

sedation, we will bring in a professional anesthesiologist if

needed to ensure that your child receives the highest

possible level of care. To learn more about general

anesthesia and to find out if this is a good option for your

child, please contact our office today. (970) 879-7976