A number of children have a fear of the dentist, while other children are just not old enough to understand and cooperate during the course of the dental treatment. Some children have conditions such as autism, down syndrome, or other special health care needs that may induce extra stress when experiencing dental treatment. Other children simply need a lot of dental work, and just the thought of several dental appointments to complete treatment leaves them overwhelmed and scared.

Every child mentioned above can find a satisfying solution in Dental Sedation.

Our goals for Dental Sedation are the following:

1. To guard the patient’s safety and welfare 2. Minimize physical discomfort and pain 3. Control anxiety, minimize psychological trauma and maximize the potential for amnesia 4. Keep behavior under control and/or movement to allow the safe completion of the procedure. 5. To return the patient to a state in which safe discharge from medical supervision is allowed

Many people are aware that there are risks in medical and dental procedures. To help put your mind at ease, we will gladly review these risks with you in person so we can answer any further questions you may have. Dental sedation, like any other medical procedure, holds a certain amount of risk for your child. No need to worry, our foremost priority is your child’s safety and comfort. Our office practices strict adherence to the sedation guidelines as set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and has all of the necessary monitoring equipment available. The risks that are associated with your child having Dental Sedation are miniscule compared to the risk of driving your car to get to the appointment.

Ultimately, the parent decides on the treatment plan that is recommended by your Pediatric Dentist. You can rely on your dentist for assistance and feedback with the decision by reviewing your child’s medical history, studying your child’s x-rays and providing you with advice as to whether or not your child would benefit from receiving Dental Sedation. Rest assured, when sedation is needed for your child, your family will be cared for by a highly trained and very experienced team of specialists that only want the best for you and your family members.

Mild Sedation is a drug-induced state in which patients respond as they normally would to verbal commands. However, cognitive function and coordination may be affected and impaired, breathing and heart functions are not.

Moderate Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands. With moderate sedation, no intervention is needed to maintain an open airway, spontaneous breathing is adequate, and heart function is maintained.

Deep Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients are not easily disturbed but respond purposely after repeated verbal stimulations. The ability to maintain breathing independently may be impaired requiring assistance to maintain an open airway. Heart function is usually maintained.

General Anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness where patients are not aroused even under the circumstances of painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain breathing is often impaired and requires assistance to maintain an open airway. Positive-pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug induced depression of neuromuscular function. Heart function may be impaired.

Oral Medications: Chloral Hydrate, Vistaril, Demerol, Versed, Valium, Ativan, and Halcion

Intranasal Medications: Versed, Ketamine, Clonidine

Intramuscular Medications: Demerol, Phenergan, Ketamine, Glycopyrrolate, Versed, and Fentanyl

Most insurance companies do not cover Dental Sedation. All financial and insurance information will be discussed with you at the appointment so we can answer any and all of your questions.

Please refer to our post-operative instructions for Dental Sedation.

Pre-Operative Instructions for Moderate Sedation

Post-Operative Instructions for Moderate Sedation

Post-Operative instructions for Restorative Surgery