Sedation

Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for the dentist to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for special needs children. There are many safe and effective drugs available today that can help relax the child and promote a  more pleasant environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.

Mild conscious sedation is an option for children who are mildly apprehensive. This highly effective method can be administered in an inhalation method using nitrous oxide (N20-02).

Deep sedation is sometimes necessary for children that are too young to cooperate, have special health care needs, or are older but are uncooperative due to apprehension. Deep sedation may also be an option for a cooperative but very young child with extensive dental needs and whose parent prefers to treat their child with one visit instead of 4 or more separate visits. Our practice utilizes a certified anesthesiologist for these cases. This option will be discussed with the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the patient during an office visit before treatment to ensure the optimum beneficial outcome.

Deep sedation is not always a guardian’s first choice and Dr. Amber is happy to discuss all alternative options that are available at a child’s examination visit. 

Sedation dentistry is most helpful for:

• Very young children
• Children who require major treatment
• A very anxious child
• Children that have had traumatic dental experiences (sound and smell aversion)
• Children who are medically compromised or have special needs