Sedation
Nitrous Oxide |
Conscious Sedation |
I.V. Sedation |
Outpatient General Anesthesia

Pre-Sedation Instructions
- Nothing to eat or drink after 12:00 AM, if your child takes
prescription medication they may take as directed by the physician.
- Your child will not be able to go back to school or daycare as
they will be drowsy the rest of the day.
- If your child is running a fever, congested or has a runny nose,
please call us because we will reschedule your appointment.
- Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothes with short
sleeves or no sleeves to permit ready access to arms for a blood
pressure cuff.
You will be in the office for at least 2 hours on the day of
your appointment. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE COMPLETELY
"UNDER."
Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as
laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous
oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous
oxide/oxygen 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 treating
children's dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal
breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive.
While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious
and keeps all natural reflexes.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please inform us of any change to your child's health and/or
medical condition.
- Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing
through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the
effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
- Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of
the appointment.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very
young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your
child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental
treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep,
but they will not become unconscious.
There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for
conscious sedation. The doctor will prescribe the medication best suited
for your child's overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We
will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the
specific drugs we plan to give to your child.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please notify us of any change in your child's health and/or
medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a
fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact
us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is
currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical
history.
- Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom
immediately prior to arriving at the office.
- Your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours
prior to their sedation appointment and only clear liquids for up to
4 hours before the appointment.
- The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the office
during the complete procedure.
- Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking
effect. Hold them in your lap or keep close to you. Do not let them
"run around."
- Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at
first.
After the sedation appointment:
- Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very
closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
- If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with
their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have
something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is
best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The
first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to
the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Because we use local anesthetic to numb your child's mouth
during the procedure, your child may have the tendency to bite or
chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their
face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent
any injury to these areas.
- Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you
might have.

I.V. Sedation
I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young
children, and children with special needs that would not work well under
conscious sedation. The dentist performs the dental treatment in our
office with the child anesthetized under I.V. sedation, which is
administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please notify us of any change in your child's health and/or
medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a
fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact
us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is
currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical
history.
- Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom
immediately prior to arriving at the office.
- Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight
prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water,
apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to the appointment.
- The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the office
during the complete procedure.
After the sedation appointment:
- Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very
closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
- If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with
their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have
something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is
best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The
first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to
the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you
might have.
Prior to your appointment:
- Please notify us of any change in your child's health. Do not
bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold.
Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary
to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is
currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical
history.
- Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight
prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water,
apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to the appointment.
- The child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital
or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure.
After the appointment:
- Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very
closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
- If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with
their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have
something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is
best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The
first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to
the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Prior to leaving the hospital/outpatient center, you will be
given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency
contact number if needed.
