Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. We routinely provide nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation for our patients free of charge during most lengthy or potentially stressful procedures.
Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk and communicate normally with the doctor and staff during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous oxide is turned off and oxygen is administered for 5 to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas from the patient's respiratory system. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation.
General Anesthesia
Some patients due to their very young age, maturity level, or extreme anxiety cannot comfortably tolerate certain dental procedures while awake. For these individuals we offer in-office general anesthesia administered by Ambulatory Anesthesia Group, Inc.
Ambulatory Anesthesia Group is a group of residency trained dentist anesthesiologists who provide on site anesthesia for dental offices and dentists. The medications used and patient monitoring equipment is similar to that used in a hospital operating room without the inconvenience and added cost of a hospital visit. A close and continuous watch is kept on all vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, heart rhythm, oxygenation, etc.) as well as patient reaction.
Each anesthetic is individually tailored to the patient's need, and is the sole responsibility of the dentist anesthesiologist. This offers an extra margin of safety. In addition, all emergency and resuscitative equipment/medications are within arms reach at each location and all anesthesia group staff members are B.L.S. and A.C.L.S. certified.