Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry provides the option of sedation dentistry to ensure the necessary procedures can be performed on children that are anxious, have behavioral problems, or learning disabilities. Dr. Rojas will evaluate your child and propose the appropriate type of sedation if and only if necessary. We offer different sedation options—nitrous oxide, oral, and IV—to meet the needs of all of our young patients.
Sedation during a dental appointment is used to provide a relaxing and, to the extent possible, an anxiety-free experience for children receiving dental treatments. Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and the American Pediatric Dental Association as an effective way to make many children comfortable during their dental visits.
Before using sedation, it is important to tell our staff about any medications or medical treatments your child may be receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, Dr. Rojas will talk to you about the process of sedation and provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions to ensure your child’s safety.
Regardless of the type of sedation your child receives, it is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany the child to the procedure and be available for positive support. The caregiver should stay with the child for an additional two to eight hours after returning home depending on the type of sedation utilized.
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” has been used by dentists for over a hundred years to calm anxious patients of all ages. The reason it is still utilized today is because it works, offering a gentle and effective way to calm minor dental anxiety. The gas is administered through a small nasal mask, and after a few minutes, your child will feel a warm, calming sensation throughout their body. The mask remains on for the entire appointment, and after it is removed, the effects go away almost instantly, meaning your child can get straight back to their day.
Oral sedation dentistry is now the most common technique used in the United States to quell children’s fears during dental treatment. The technique is easy and requires no needles. In most cases, the sedation creates a comfortable experience by controlling anxiety and relaxing the child. Oral sedation dentistry allows for a level of consciousness and responsiveness in the child for safety and cooperation.
Most dental procedures for children are completed using the above mentioned sedatives, however, very young, fearful, or uncooperative children may require stronger sedation from an experienced dental anesthesiologist. Intravenous (IV) sedation is a deep sleep that insulates your child from the stress and discomfort associated with dental procedures. An anesthesiologist is a dentist who has completed specialty training in anesthesiology and has had extra training in pediatric anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will be with your child at all times ensuring their safety while Dr. Rojas focuses on completing the dental work as expeditiously as possible.