Sedation and Hospital Dentistry

NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION
(Happy air, laughing gas etc.)

Most children are calm, comfortable, and confident in Dr. Ziegler´s office. Because the practice specializes in treating children, he makes the children feel special. The office is especially designed for children. Staff members choose to work in a pediatric dental office because they like kids. Sometimes, however, a child feels anxious during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Sedation with nitrous oxide/oxygen is sometimes recommended. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective technique to calm a child´s fear of the dental visit.

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide/oxygen from the body. Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non-addictive. It is mild, easily taken, and then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious, keeps all natural reflexes, when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.

There are some special instructions when your child is to receive nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation. First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit. (Occasionally, nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach.) Second, tell our Pediatric Dentist about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell our Pediatric Dentist if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

We know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs, or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. If nitrous oxide sedation is not successful, we  can offer other alternatives to help your child during the dental visit.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA/HOSPITAL DENTISTRY
Sometimes a deeper or longer sedation is necessary to accomplish dental treatment on the very young child who has extensive dental needs or on patients who have special challenges that prevents them from being able to accept treatment in the dental office. General anesthesia at the local hospital is an option that is very successful in most children with these problems.

General anesthesia is a management technique that uses medications to cause the child to become unconscious and asleep while receiving dental care. It is provided by a physician at the local hospital or surgery center who has special training in anesthesia.

Children with severe anxiety and/or inability to cooperate are candidates for general anesthesia. These children may be young or have compromised health or special needs. They usually require extensive dental treatment and their anxiety cannot be controlled with conscious sedation techniques.

Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it is safe when administered by an appropriately trained individual in an appropriately equipped facility. Many precautions are taken to provide safety for the child during general anesthesia care. Patients are monitored closely during the general anesthesia procedure by personnel who are trained to manage complications. We will discuss the benefits and risks involved in general anesthesia and why it is recommended for your child.

A physical examination is required prior to general anesthesia for dental care. This physical examination provides information to ensure the safety of the general anesthesia procedure. Your pediatric dentist and/or your general anesthesia provider will advise you about evaluation appointments that are required. Parents are instructed to report to the pediatric dentist any illness that occurs prior to the general anesthesia appointment. It may be necessary to reschedule the appointment. It is very important to follow instructions regarding preoperative fasting from fluids and foods. Usually patients are tired following general anesthesia.

Your child will be discharged when alert and ready to depart. You will be instructed to let the child rest at home with minimal activity planned until the next day. Post-operative dietary recommendations will also be given.