Sedation Dentistry

Smiles Made Easy with Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Does your child dread the dentist’s chair? Sedation dentistry is a way to help your child relax during their dental treatment.

Our options range from nitrous oxide to calm patients to general anesthesia used to put patients to sleep, which allows us to tailor sedation to your child’s needs. It’s a safe and proven method, endorsed by the experts at the American Dental Association (ADA), to make dental visits stress-free and even enjoyable!

When Is Sedation Most Commonly Needed?

• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root canals
• Periodontal treatments

It’s important that you tell us about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving before your child is given a sedative or anesthetic. Dr. Metclaf will talk with you about the sedation process and pre- and post-sedation instructions before administering a sedative or anesthetic.

The Types of Sedation We Offer

Oral Conscious Sedation

This type of sedation involves taking a sedative in pill or liquid form. Patients who receive oral conscious sedation can still speak and respond to questions during treatment and express any discomfort or pain they may be having, although they may remember little or nothing about the procedure.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide sedation is often used to help fearful or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered via a small mask that fits over your child’s nose. Because nitrous oxide is a mild sedative, patients are able to talk during their procedure. Once the treatment is finished, we turn off the gas and administer oxygen for a few minutes to help clear away the remaining nitrous oxide. The effects wear off quickly, and there are rarely any side effects.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation involves administering a dose of sedatives directly into the bloodstream via an IV. Once the sedative is administered, your child will quickly calm, allowing Dr. Metclaf to perform the procedure. This type of sedation is highly effective for patients who are very fearful or anxious about their dental visits. IV sedation also acts as an amnesiac, which results in the patient not remembering the dental procedure afterward, even though he/she was conscious and responsive during the procedure.

General Anesthesia

This type of sedation involves administering medication that puts the patient into a deep sleep or an unconscious state. General anesthesia is the same type of sedation used when removing tonsils. It is most commonly used for patients:

• Patients who are extremely anxious or fearful
• Patients requiring extensive dental treatment
• Patients who are unable to cooperate or follow directions
• Patients with uncontrollable body movements
• Patients needing several dental procedures done at the same time

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?

Yes! The health and safety of your child is our utmost priority, and Dr. Metcalf and his team adheres to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines for sedation.

Will my child feel any pain during the procedure?

The key objective of sedation dentistry is to minimize discomfort and pain. With sedation, many children will have little to no memory of the procedure and will feel relaxed throughout.

How should my child prepare for sedation dentistry?

Preparation depends on the type of sedation. For instance, with oral sedation and general anesthesia, your child may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Dr. Metcalf will provide specific instructions based on your child’s course of treatment.

What is the recovery process like after sedation dentistry?

Recovery time can vary depending on the type of sedation used. Most children recover from nitrous oxide and oral sedation within a few hours. We will provide post-procedure instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Stress-Free Dentist Visits Start Here

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry or would like to know more about our practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metcalf, please call our office or request an appointment online.