Imagine your child undergoing a complex dental treatment such as a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When treatment is complete, the patient has no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort.

We are pleased to offer your little one the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients of Shore Pediatric Dental who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

  • Fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
  • Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
  • A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry enables our team to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for children who experience anxiety when they visit our office. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

  • No memory of undergoing the procedure
  • No sense of time while under sedation
  • No sense of smell or sound
  • No fear or anxiety during treatment

Levels of Sedation

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law. There are three sedative states at which we can administer treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

  • Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for children with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. Your son or daughter will remain awake but somewhat sleepy throughout the entire procedure, and will be able to breathe normally, but he or she will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild-to-moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
  • Moderate Sedation — Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and those who require longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, your child will remain awake throughout the procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation.
  • Deep Sedation — Patients who receive deep sedation go between consciousness and unconsciousness during their dental procedure. They often have no recollection of the treatment and are unable to respond to commands even if they are awake at times during the procedure.

How are sedatives administered?

  • Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild-to-moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so your child can resume normal activities immediately.
  • Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. Your youngster will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before the appointment, will have her or him fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for your little one.