Sedation Dentistry
Sedation is most commonly used for young children that are unable to cope with the delivery of dental care, children who have a high level of anxiety and for some children with special needs. Procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions often require sedation.
Sedation is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective way to make many children comfortable during their dental visit. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic to your child, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
Nitrous Oxide "Laughing Gas”
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry endorses the use of nitrous oxide/ oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety, produce analgesia, and enhance effective communication between a patient and health care provider. The gas (a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) is administered by inhaling through a nasal mask in which your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma. Patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedative treatments in dentistry. It has a rapid onset, and the effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide may be used in combination with other sedative agents.
Oral Sedation
Conscious sedation is a management technique that uses oral medications to help reduce anxiety or discomfort during dental treatment. There are many safe and effective medications that can be used to help your child relax and promote an optimal environment for safe dental treatment. Our highly trained pediatric dentists will discuss the proper medications for your child, based on his/her individual case. Our sedations are always done by two experienced pediatric dentists that are trained to administer medications, monitor and manage sedated children. All of our pediatric dentists are New York State certified in dental conscious sedation and CPR. We strictly follow the sedation guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Your child’s procedure will be discussed in detail with you before treatment is rendered.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a management technique that uses medications to cause your child to become asleep while receiving dental treatment in a hospital setting. Patients requiring anesthesia will be treated at Lenox Hill Hopsital/Manhattan Eye & Ear Hospital in Manhattan. The anesthesia is always done by a pediatric anesthesiologist and the dental work is completed by two pediatric dentists who have special training in treating children under general anesthesia. Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it is safe when administered by an appropriately trained doctor in a properly equipped hospital setting. Candidates for this procedure might include those with severe anxiety, special needs or those with extensive treatment plans. We will discuss in detail the risks and benefits involved with general anesthesia before this procedure.