Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can transform your child’s dental appointment experience. Our doctors use sedation dentistry to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for our patients in order to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably. Proper use of sedation techniques is safe and it helps children who may have fears or anxiety about their upcoming dental or orthodontic treatment. We understand that many children can be anxious when going to the dentist, which is why we make sure that when you first walk into our office, you’ll be greeted by our warm and welcoming staff in our family-friendly environment. We don’t just stop there when it comes to the comfort of our kids – we’re also able to provide a variety of behavioral management methods to help put your child at ease. One of these is our sedation dentistry.

We strive to create a fun-filled and friendly office environment where our young Fair Oaks and Boerne patients can feel at home! However, we realize that even the simplest pediatric dentist visit can make some children feel anxious. To make your child’s visit more comfortable and efficient, we use a variety of behavioral management methods, including the show and tell approach and role-playing, in conjunction with oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Regardless of which type of sedation your child receives, he or she will also typically need a local anesthetic — numbing medication at the site where the dentist is working in the mouth — to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.

• Oral Conscious Sedation We typically recommend oral conscious sedation for our patients receiving extensive dental treatment and for those who are very apprehensive about their visit. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Conscious sedation provides a deep state of relaxation. Your child is relaxed but remains alert during the procedure. When taken orally (liquid or tablet form), certain sedatives can provide a level of relaxation that is appropriate for your child. Our doctors will determine the type of sedation medicine as well as the dosage that is suitable for your child before the day of the procedure. Our doctors take several factors into consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of your child, including their anxiety level and current health prognosis.They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake. It is normal for children to become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. After treatment, you can carry your child out of the office. However, he or she may be alert enough to walk out of the office on their own.
• Nitrous Oxide You breathe nitrous oxide — otherwise known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide is often used as a conscious sedative during a pediatric dentist visit. The gas has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious children relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, your child is still conscious and can talk to the dentist during their visit. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation your child receives. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects of the gas tend to wear off quickly. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although your child may experience minor nausea and/or constipation. Dental treatment is necessary for patients of all ages, especially children. We are trained to safely administer sedatives to ensure your child has a pleasant and comfortable experience. Our doctors will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
• General Anesthesia This is aimed at keeping your child asleep and pain-free during dental treatment. It is typically administered to children who cannot cooperate or are extremely anxious, making necessary dental procedures challenging or impossible. The anesthesia is administered by a qualified anesthesiologist specialized in pediatric anesthesia. It can be given intravenously or through inhalation, with the choice depending on factors such as the child’s age, medical history, and the nature of the dental procedure.

  Once administered, the anesthesia induces a state of unconsciousness, allowing the dentist to perform the necessary dental work with zero discomfort and distress to the child. It also helps in controlling movements that could jeopardize the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.

  The duration of the anesthesia effects varies depending on factors such as the type and dosage of anesthesia used, as well as individual differences in metabolism. Typically, the effects wear off gradually after the procedure, and the child may feel groggy or drowsy for a period afterward. It’s essential for a responsible adult to accompany the child home and monitor them closely during the recovery phase.

  Pediatric general anesthesia in dentistry is used judiciously and only when absolutely necessary, such as for extensive dental procedures, invasive treatments, or in cases where the child cannot tolerate traditional methods due to anxiety or medical conditions. The decision to use general anesthesia will be made in consultation with parents or guardians, weighing the risks and benefits carefully. Pre-operative evaluations and thorough discussions with the dental and anesthesia team are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the child during and after the procedure.