Imagine your child undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When treatment is complete, your child will have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort. We are pleased to offer your child the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Our pediatric dental patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your pediatric dentist to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:
- No memory of undergoing the procedure
- No sense of time while under sedation
- No sense of smell or sound
- No fear or anxiety during treatment
Levels of Sedation
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your child's dentist can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.
- Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety in children. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child’s nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety. Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through their mouth. As the gas begins to work, your child will become calm, although he or she will still be awake and able to talk with the dentist. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off, and 100% oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately.
- In-Office General Anesthesia — is another type of sedation we are able to offer. This type of sedation is administered and monitored by Dr. Heather Robinson with Midwest Dental Anesthesia Services right in our office. During this type of sedation patients go between states of consciousness and unconsciousness. Children who have this type of sedation often do not remember procedures.
Before using a sedative, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your child’s dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions. We would be happy to discuss these options and determine which may be best for your child.
- Hospital Care — Dr. Laganis offers specialized care through our hospital care program for children unable to receive care in a traditional dental setting. Care is provided under General Anesthesia, putting your child into a deep sleep where they will be unable to feel any discomfort and therefore will help to eliminate any trauma or fear of the Dentist. Dr. Laganis offers hospital care through Children’s Minneapolis and Children’s West. If this is something you may be interested in please give us a call and we would be happy to discuss your options and what would be best for your child.
