Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

As dentists that see children day in and day out, we understand that, in general, they are afraid to visit the dentist. We hope to minimize that fear by working with parents in advance of that first appointment (helpful books and things to say) but a fear of the dentist is completely normal! Most people, children and adults alike, have at least some reservations about going to the dentist. If your child is exceptionally nervous, however, we offer a couple of different types of sedation dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry with Nitrous Oxide

The most common practice of sedation dentistry involves the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, in order to relax them for their dental treatment. This is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child's nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for sedation dentistry for children. The gas is mild, easily taken, and with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is also non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.

General Anesthesia Sedation

For some children with high anxiety, it is virtually impossible to treat them in the office. For those children it is may be necessary to for them to be unconscious in order for the dentist to safely and not-traumatically complete their needed dental treatment. General anesthesia puts a child into a deep sleep. This is the same kind of sleep that a child would have if he or she were to have ear tubes placed or their tonsils removed.

Since we are one of the largest provider's of children's dentistry in the greater Sacramento area, we are able to secure surgery time at many of the area's leading ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals. These are all accredited "state of the art" facilities equipped with the most modern and advanced technology and instrumentation. Our doctors are joined by a team of licensed anesthesiologists, specially trained nurses, and dental assistants that are all dedicated to delivering the highest level of care to your child.

Our team may recommend general anesthesia for the following:

• Infants
• Children who are pre-communicative or pre-cooperative
• Children who exhibit a high level of anxiety
• Children who have extensive dental needs
• Children who have had a prior traumatic dental experience
• Children with developmental disabilities

Benefits associated with general anesthesia:

• Non-traumatic dental experience for your child
• All dental treatment completed in one visit
• The safest and most controlled environment to treat extremely apprehensive children