Sedation
Many children are calm, comfortable and confident in Dr. Pabst and Dr. Deukmedjian's pediatric dental office. Sometimes, however, a child feels anxious during treatment and may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. For these children, our office offers different sedation options.
NITROUS OXIDE (N20) "LAUGHING GAS"
What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?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 from the body.
How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?
Your child will have the opportunity to choose a "flavor" of air to breathe. He or she will smell this "flavored air" and experience a sense of well being and relaxation. If the sights, sounds or sensations of dental treatment worry your child, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.
How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
Very Safe! Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non-addictive. It is mild, easily taken, then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious - keeps all natural reflexes - when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.
Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?
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 or extensive treatment needs. Our dentists have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.
ORAL SEDATION
For the child that may need something a bit more than just laughing gas, our dentists will often choose to use oral sedation.Benefits include:
• decreased anxiety
• short acting sedative
• amnesia of appointment