Sedation  

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.  Your child will also have injections (sleepy juice) to numb their teeth for treatment.

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

Please do not allow your child to eat or drink 2 hours prior to their appointment because the
nitrous oxide/oxygen may upset their stomach and result in them vomiting.  
 

Conscious Sedation/ Oral Sedation

Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with
special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with
dental treatments. The effect of the sedation is to produce a profound relaxation to facilitate a more
pleasant dental experience. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep (similar to taking
a nap), but they will not become unconscious.  Your child will keep all of their natural reflexes. Even with conscious sedation, your child may still fuss for treatment. It is difficult to accurately predict how your
child may react to this light sedation. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is normally used in conjunction with oral
conscious sedation. Even though your child may be sedated, they will still receive injections (sleepy juice)
to numb their teeth for treatment.

It is important for your child's safety that you follow these instructions carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.

Pre-operative Conscious Sedation Instructions:

1.  Do not give your child ANY medications before the appointment which may combine with the sedative
without checking with one of the doctors first.

2.  If the child is on a regular medication, please inform the office when we confirm your child's appointment.

3.  No milk or solid food after midnight for all children.  Water is allowable for:

            A.  Children under age of 3 years, up to 4 hours before treatment.

            B.  Children between ages 3 to 6 years, up to 6 hours before treatment.

            C.  Children ages 6 and older, up to 8 hours before treatment.

4.  Please dress your child in light, loose, comfortable clothing (preferably not white) for the appointment. 
If your child is recently toilet trained, dress him/her in a diaper (or Pull-Up) in case of an accident.

5.  If prior to your appointment your child becomes ill (ie. Fever, upper respiratory infection, etc), please contact our office to possibly reschedule your appointment.

6.  If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy, they are welcome to bring it to the
appointment.

7.  A parent or guardian must bring your child to the office and must be present in the reception room
for the entire appointment.  For your child’s safety, we may need to watch him/her for several minutes
following the treatment to make sure he/she is alert and stable before dismissal from the office.  It is recommended that you have a friend or family member accompany you to the office to assist you and
your child following the completion of the appointment. 

8.  A parent or guardian must be home with your child for the remainder of the day. Do not plan activities
for your child because they will feel the effects of the medication for 6 to 8 hours following the appointment. Your child should not go to school or daycare for the remainder of the day.

9.  Please plan ahead and have soft food and lots of liquid for your child following the appointment.

Post-Operative Conscious Sedation Instructions

1.  Your child needs to be watched for several hours (4+) following the sedation appointment.  The effects
of the medication may continue after discharge from the office and your child may be drowsy.  If he/she
would like to sleep after you are home, please place them on their side. It is important that you keep your
child awake in the car on the way home (and have them properly restrained).

2.  Do not allow your child to participate in activities where physical coordination or skill is involved since his/her reactions may be slowed.  Basically, no outside play following treatment.  Your child may be
disoriented or fussy from the medication and must be watched to avoid injury.

3.  Following the dental appointment, offer your child liquids, starting with a small amount of water. Once
they are able to keep water down, then you may give them other clear liquids (ie apple juice, white grape
juice).  It is important after the dental visit that your child be hydrated.  Once the numbness wears off,
then your child may have soft foods (please refer to “Post-Operative Instructions”.

4.  Please make sure your child does not bite their tongue, lip, or cheek due to numbness.

5.  Occasionally a child can have a postoperative complication such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.  If prolonged vomiting occurs, pleas contact our office. 

6. It is recommended for your child to be given an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory following the appointment. Since your child has an empty stomach, Tylenol is better to give at first.  Please follow the directions according to the manufacturer and time it to give your child medication right before bedtime.

7.  Please be aware that your child may be fussy following the treatment, this is one possible side effect
of the medication.

8.  If your child seems to be having problems, please contact our office at 713-436-4080.