Many children become anxious in the dental office and cannot relax or sit still long enough for the dentist to treat them. Sedation Dentistry allows calming effects that permit both examination and corrective work to be accomplished more easily.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Some children who are mildly anxious may be 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 Canadian and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild,non-addictive, easily taken, and eliminated from the body quickly, once normal breathining resumes. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all natural reflexes.

Prior to your appointment:

– Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
– Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
– Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
– Your child should not have any food or drink for at least 2 hours prior to Nitrous appointment

Outpatient General Anesthesia (Dentistry Asleep)

– General Anesthesia or “Dentistry Asleep” is an option for children that are so anxious in the dental office that they cannot relax or sit still long enough for the dentist to treat them.
– General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired.
– Our office is certified for General Anesthesia services by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.
– General Anesthesia is administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.

Advantages of Dentistry Asleep include:

– Your child can sleep through the entire dental appointment.
– Children who have difficulty with freezing or who have sensitive teeth/mouth, experience no pain or discomfort while sedated.
– Sedation Dentistry eliminates the prolonged discomfort associated with extensive visits, or complicated treatment.
– Your child will not remember anxiety producing noises, smells or procedures of dentistry including injections or drilling.
– Sedation Dentistry takes the stress and discomfort out of current and future dental experiences for you and your child. Your child will replace old anxious experiences, with new pleasant ones – transforming the way they feel about going to the dentist.
– Your child will have no problems with their gag reflex or keeping their mouth open for an extended period of time.
– Complex dental treatments usually requiring multiple appointments can be completed in one.

Our office is specially equipped for these treatments, so you may avoid hospital wait times, and unnecessary interim antibiotics for your child.

Prior to your appointment:

– Please notify us of any change in your child’s health, including  fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us immediately.
– You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
– Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
– Your child should not have milk or solid food for 12 hours prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to the appointment.
– The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure.

After the appointment:

– Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
– If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
– If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.