Dental Sedation FAQ’s

Endorsed by the American Dental Association, dental sedation is a routine, safe method used to relax patients during dental procedures.

Why is Dental Sedation Necessary?

Under some circumstances, sedation may be needed for complex, extensive dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and extractions. It may also be recommended for children with low pain tolerance, anxieties, and dental phobias.

Types of Sedation:

• • Nitrous Oxide aka Laughing Gas is delivered through a small masked placed over the nose. As the gas begins to work, the child remains awake and will become less nervous. Afterwards, your child will receive oxygen to flush the body of any remaining gas.

• • IV Sedation is directly injected into a vein and provides a deeper sedation. The patient will still be awake but less aware of the procedure. This method should be used only by dentists with extensive training and requires recovery time after you leave the office.

• • Oral Sedation is taken through the mouth. The patient may still be awake, but relaxed. Minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur with some medicines. Often patients will stay a short time after the treatment has been completed to make sure recovery is complete and to look out for any potential problems.

• • General Anesthesia allows the patient to be asleep for the entire procedure. This ensures that the dentist is able to safely complete the dental treatment. General anesthesia is done in a hospital under the trained supervision of an anesthesiologist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your child will go home the same day.

Importance of Your Child’s Health History  

Understanding our patients’ physical and mental health are important to providing the best experience for dental treatment. It is important to tell us about any medications or medical treatments your child has had or is currently receiving. Our board certified pediatric dentists will discuss with you the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions, as well as possible side effects.

Schedule An Appointment Today

With the help of parents, Jenkins and LeBlanc can prepare, monitor, and help reduce the risks and stress levels for children before, during, and after their dental treatment.

It’s our goal at Jenkins and LeBlanc to educate and ensure our patients receive the best quality care while remaining as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your child’s treatments or dental sedation, contact us today.