We offer a range of safe sedation options to ensure a relaxed, stress-free experience for anxious patients or those who need complex dental work.
Safe Sedation for Comfortable, Worry-Free Care
We understand that dental procedures can feel overwhelming for some children. Our interactive techniques, soothing office, and comfort animals could be enough to put your child at ease. If not, we also offer nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry at our Spring, TX office. With our tailored approach, we can make even the most complex procedures manageable while protecting your child’s safety and well-being.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a mild sedative delivered through a small mask that goes over your child’s nose. As they inhale the gas, it helps them relax and dulls discomfort. Your child will be awake during the dental procedure and able to talk and respond to directions.
When the procedure is finished, we’ll turn the nitrous oxide off and have your child breathe in 100% oxygen to flush out any remaining laughing gas. The laughing gas wears off in minutes and rarely has any side effects. Afterward, your child can go back to school or the rest of their day.
Types of Sedation Dentistry for Kids
Oral Conscious Sedation
We also offer oral conscious sedation in certain cases. This approach provides mild to moderate sedation and involves taking a sedative medication prior to the procedure. Then, nitrous oxide is used once we’re ready to get started. This combination will make your child feel calm and relaxed.
Your child will be conscious and able to respond to commands during their dental treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for kids to fall into a light sleep and have little memory of the procedure afterward. It can take several hours for the sedative to fully wear off so your child will need to rest at home after the procedure.
IV Dental Sedation
For more involved procedures or children with complex health care needs, deep sedation could be an option. This type of sedation is administered by a highly trained dentist anesthesiologist. The sedative is delivered through an IV and takes effect immediately.
When under deep sedation, kids are not aware of the dental procedure and will have no memory of the experience. We have state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure maximum safety throughout the process. After the procedure, your child will need to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Oral Conscious Sedation
We also offer oral conscious sedation in certain cases. This approach provides mild to moderate sedation and involves taking a sedative medication prior to the procedure. Then, nitrous oxide is used once we’re ready to get started. This combination will make your child feel calm and relaxed.
Your child will be conscious and able to respond to commands during their dental treatment. However, it’s not uncommon for kids to fall into a light sleep and have little memory of the procedure afterward. It can take several hours for the sedative to fully wear off so your child will need to rest at home after the procedure.
IV Dental Sedation
For more involved procedures or children with complex health care needs, deep sedation could be an option. This type of sedation is administered by a highly trained dentist anesthesiologist. The sedative is delivered through an IV and takes effect immediately.
When under deep sedation, kids are not aware of the dental procedure and will have no memory of the experience. We have state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure maximum safety throughout the process. After the procedure, your child will need to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
Benefits
01.
Reduces Anxiety
Sedation makes kids with moderate to severe dental anxiety feel calm and relaxed, even if they’ve had challenging dental experiences in the past.
02.
Safe and Tailored Care
Our board-certified pediatric dentists are trained in the latest sedation techniques to provide safe, individualized treatment for every child.
03.
Allows for Safe, Efficient Procedures
Sedation enables little ones to stay still and calm, allowing the dentist to safely and effectively perform complex procedures – often in one visit.
FAQ
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes. Our board-certified pediatric dentists are trained and licensed to administer sedation to children. Our professionals are well-versed in the latest techniques, and our office is equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment.
PDS meets or exceeds all safety and infection control standards and closely follows the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines.
Will my child be comfortable during the procedure?
Laughing gas or sedation will help to make your child’s experience a positive one. We also numb the treatment area with local anesthesia to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible.
How do I know which sedation option is right for my child?
Our Spring pediatric dentists recommend sedation on a case-by-case basis. They’ll talk with you about your child’s specific needs, health history, and the type of procedure. If they do recommend sedation, they’ll explain the pros and cons in detail so you can make an informed decision.
How long does it take for sedation to wear off?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after treatment. Oral sedation and IV sedation can take several hours to fully wear off, though it depends on your child’s age, the type of sedative, and the dose. If your child undergoes oral or IV sedation, they’ll need to rest for the remainder of the day. Most kids can resume their regular activities the following day.
