Sedation Dentistry

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation is recommended for dental treatments on young and apprehensive children and those with special needs to provide better care in a safe environment. The dentist performs the dental treatment in our office with the child anesthetized under IV sedation, which is administered and monitored by our very experienced anesthesiologist, Dr. Anh Tran of Olympic Anesthesia. Dr. Neda Kalantar will discuss with you in great detail if intravenous sedation is the best option for your child. Please schedule your consult today to discuss all possible options.

Nitrous Oxide

Many children are calm, comfortable and confident in our dental office because we make them feel special and eliminating any anxiety. Our staff members choose to work here because they like kids! From "tell-show-do" to creative dental words, we make every effort possible to relax children and create a positive environment.

Sometimes a child still feels anxious during treatment and may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective technique to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.

Q:  What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

A:  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/oxygen from the body.

Q:  How will my child feel when breathing nitrous/oxide?

A:  Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation.  If your child is worried by the sights, sounds or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may feel more comfortable with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

Q:  How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

A:  Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry.  It is non-addictive, easily taken and quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.

Q:  Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen?

A:  First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit -  0ccasionally, nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach. Second, tell the doctor about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child.  It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell the doctor if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

Q:  Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?

A:  We know that not all children are alike!  Every service is tailored to your child as an individual.  Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective on some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. If this is the case, we may suggest other sedation methods that would be more appropriate for your child.

Information from The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.