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Nitrous Oxide
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Conscious Sedation |
General
Anesthesia |
Your
Sedation Appointment
Nitrous Oxide
Some children
are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you
may know as laughing gas, to relax them for
their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen
is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous
oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through
a small breathing mask which is placed over
the child’s nose, allowing them to relax,
but without putting them to sleep.
The American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes
this technique as a very safe, effective
technique to use for treating children’s
dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken,
then with normal breathing, it is quickly
eliminated from the body. It is
non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous
oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully
conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.
 Conscious
Sedation
Conscious
sedation is a management technique that uses
medications to assist the child to cope with
fear and anxiety and cooperate with dental
treatment.
Conscious
Sedation is recommended for apprehensive
children, very young children and is often
helpful for some children who have special
needs. It is used to calm your child and to
reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated
with dental treatments.
There are a
variety of different medications, which can
be used for conscious sedation. The doctor
will discuss the medication best suited for
your child’s overall health and dental
treatment recommendations.
Sedation is safe
when administered by a trained pediatric
dentist who follows the sedation guidelines
of the American Academy of Pediatric
Dentistry. Your pediatric dentist will
discuss sedation options and patient
monitoring for the protection of your child.
In order to
alleviate potential anxiety in your child,
your pediatric dentist may recommend minimal
discussion of the dental appointment with
your child. Should your child become ill,
contact us to see if it is necessary to
postpone the appointment. It is very
important to follow the directions of your
pediatric dentist regarding fasting from
fluids and foods prior to the sedation
appointment.
Your pediatric
dentist will not discharge your child until
the child is alert and ready to go. We have
a special recovery room to keep your child
until time of discharge. Children who have
been sedated are usually requested to remain
at home for the rest of the day with adult
supervision. Dr. Polsky will discuss
specific post-sedation instructions with
you, including appropriate diet, physical
activity, and requested supervision.
General
Anesthesia
General
anesthesia is a management technique that
uses medications to cause the child to
become unconscious and asleep while
receiving dental care. It is provided by a
physician or dentist who has special
training in anesthesia.
Children with
severe anxiety and/or inability to cooperate
are candidates for general anesthesia. These
children may be young or have compromised
health or special needs. Young children who
usually require extensive dental treatment
and, therefore, cannot be treated under
conscious sedation, are also best treated
under general anesthesia setting.
Although there
is some risk associated with general
anesthesia, it is safe when administered by
an appropriately trained individual in an
appropriately equipped facility. Many
precautions are taken to provide safety for
the child during general anesthesia care.
Patients are monitored closely during the
general anesthesia procedure by personnel
who are trained to manage complications,
such as a Medical Doctor who is trained in
anesthesia. Dr. Polsky will discuss the
benefits and risks involved in general
anesthesia and why it is recommended for
your child.
In our office
general anesthesia is provided by board
certified anesthesiologists who have
extensive training and experience with young
children.
Your
Sedation Appointment:
If your child
was recommended any of the above treatment
modalities it is very important that you:
-
Inform us of any changes in your child’s
health and medical history
-
Follow the preoperative instructions
including fasting requirements given by
your Pediatric Dentist and/or
Anesthesiologist diligently
-
Follow the postoperative instructions
given by your Pediatric Dentist and/or
Anesthesiologist
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