Nitrous oxide is considered one of the safest kinds of sedation, although all types are very safe. However, side effects are still a possibility. Adult and child patients can benefit greatly from sedation. The risks of going without sedation are usually too high for most patients undergoing certain procedures.

Most sedation side effects are mild and reversible. With nitrous oxide, side effects fade shortly after the gas is turned off. Many children get nervous when they need to go see the dentist or any other doctor, but nitrous oxide sedation helps ease nerves, resulting in compliant patients and an easy procedure free of fear.

The dentist administers sedation a minute or two before starting the procedure and continues to administer more gas until the treatment is finished. As they work, dental professionals must conduct precautionary vital sign checks to ensure the child remains stable.

Although safety checks might be inessential for the usage of nitrous oxide in the majority of cases, they are standard preventative measures that guard your child. While deep sedation puts the patient into a deep sleep and might require equipment to assist with breathing, light sedation methods allow the patient to respond to commands while having limited awareness.

When the doctor turns off the gas, the fresh air clears any residual nitrous oxide from the lungs fairly quickly. While your child receives the nitrous oxide, you can be in the same room, and you can often be present for the entire procedure, so if needed, you can reassure them.

Discussing the appointment with your child may be helpful for setting aside any fears or doubts. Speak with honesty and use clear, careful language to explain what will happen when they undergo the procedure and encourage them not to be afraid. Your child may feel better after talking with you about the steps and why the procedure is needed.

Fasting before the procedure is not necessary for nitrous oxide sedation as it is with other types of sedation. A light meal beforehand is allowed. No other specific preparation at home is necessary. How long it takes for a type of sedation to wear off will depend on a few factors.

The effects of nitrous oxide tend to lift quickly, taking only about five minutes to subside. You can be with your child as they awaken. It usually takes about about 30 to 60 minutes before your child will be ready to travel home.

Your child may be sleepy and dizzy for 3 to 4 hours. Children can drink and eat soft foods soon after the procedure. Nausea and vomiting are rare. IV Sedation Tour Most dental procedures in children are completed using local anesthesia.

During the Procedure Your child will have EKG, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygenation monitors throughout the procedure.

At the End of the Procedure At the end of the dental treatment, the IV medicine is turned off, and the IV and monitors are removed as your child begins to awaken. 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 Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me? Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations.

Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you 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 for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation.

With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.

Sedation can help kids feel relaxed and comfortable during their treatment, allowing them to safely get the care they need. Depending on the type of dental sedation used, they may not even remember the procedure, which can also prevent them from developing dental anxiety.

Our Naperville pediatric dentists offer different types of sedation for kids. At our practice, we offer nitrous oxide for kids, as well as in-office general anesthesia.

As for when kids should be sedated for dental work, every child is unique. At Naperville Pediatric Dentistry, we generally try to use behavioral and relaxation techniques first.

Sedation might be needed for:. In these instances, there are a number of benefits of dental sedation for kids:. If you go to an experienced dentist who uses the latest technology and techniques, then, yes, dental sedation is safe for a child.

At our practice, our Naperville pediatric dentists are specially trained in pediatric dental sedation. One of our dentists will examine your child, review their health history and go over the medications they take. Additionally, when providing in-office general anesthesia, we have a board-certified anesthesiologist on staff who comes into the office for these specialty cases.

Laughing gas for kids is the quickest, easiest solution. While general anesthesia is more involved, thanks to advances in medicine and technology, receiving general anesthesia in the office under the guidance of an anesthesiologist is just as safe as it is in a hospital or surgical center.

Sedation dentistry side effects in a child will vary depending on the level of sedation. It can be a good idea to talk with your child about what to expect with dental sedation, as well as the procedure itself, using terms they can understand.

If your child is still anxious about going to the dentist and being sedated, letting them bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy to the appointment can help them feel more secure. If your kiddo is receiving general anesthesia dental sedation, your Naperville pediatric dentist will provide you with detailed instructions to follow in order to ensure the procedure is safe.

Our team of pediatric dentists provides full-service, comprehensive dental care to little ones aged birth through years-old, as well as patients with special needs. Truskoski and Dr. Lee have the training and experience to handle the unique oral health challenges that children face and they know how to put patients at ease.

Our doctors are dedicated to giving kids the advanced, outstanding care they deserve while making the experience exciting and fun! Learn More. Accessibility Statement Designed By: Noodle Wave. twitter facebook pinterest google-plus instagram Reviews Book An Appointment Press enter to begin your search.

Close Search. What are the Different Types of Dental Sedation for Kids? By Innovative Pediatric Dentistry September 23, August 2nd, Blog. No Comments. Is dental sedation safe for a child? Will my child have sedation dentistry side effects?

Preparing your child for dental sedation The Types of Sedation for Kids There are various levels of sedation dentistry, ranging from mild sedation like nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to general anesthesia.

The types of sedation for kids include: Oral Conscious Sedation — With this form of sedation, the pediatric dentist prescribes an oral sedative for your child, which can offer mild to moderate sedation, depending on the type of medication and dosage. One of these people will be the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure and the other will be an independent observer.

This independent observer must be "a physician anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a second oral surgeon, or a dentist anesthesiologist. The following information provides an overview of the various types of sedation and anesthesia. It's important for parents to know their options.

Talk with your child's dentist or oral surgeon about the type of sedation or anesthesia he or she recommends and regularly practices for your child's dental work before the appointment. Nitrous oxide: This is a mild sedative and the least invasive. It's commonly known as 'giggle gas' or 'laughing gas.

They don't usually go to sleep, but most will get more relaxed. Most will get a little silly and lightheaded, but a few don't like the feeling. Mild sedation: This medication or a combination of medications are commonly used on older children and adults.

Your child would be calm and awake—and sometimes able to do what the dentist or surgeon asks him or her to do. After the procedure, your child may not even remember things about the dental visit. Dentists and oral surgeons can safely give these medications while they do the dental work, because your child remains awake.

Moderate sedation: Under moderate sedation children are sleepier, but they are usually able to do what the dentist or oral surgeon asks them to do. Older children and young adults do better with moderate sedation than younger or more fearful children.

They breathe on their own and will usually wake up easily. Most children will not remember anything about the procedure. Dentists and oral surgeons can safely give these medications while they do the dental work.

Deep sedation: This involves intravenous IV medications to help your child sleep through the procedure. While your child may still move a little and sometimes make noises, he or she may not be able to breathe well on his or her own. There must always be at least one additional qualified professional independent observer , such as an anesthesiologist see Who's Who list below who can monitor your child's heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation breathing during the procedure and until he or she wakes up.

This professional can also determine when your child is ready to go home. General anesthesia: Under general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep and pain free. Specially-trained anesthesia professionals physicians, dentists, or certified nurse anesthetists will administer medications and monitor your child while a separate dentist or oral surgeon performs the dental procedure or surgery.

Anesthesia can be given in a dental office that is specially equipped, an ambulatory surgical center ASC , or a hospital. After you discuss the options for sedation and anesthesia with your child's dentist or oral surgeon, find out exactly who will be administering the medications and who will be watching your child during the dental procedure.

Here's an overview of the various medical and dental professionals who may be involved in your child's dental procedure. Knowledge is power—familiarize yourself with the list below.

Note: The new AAP and the AAPD new guidelines state that an anesthesia professional or a another dentist or oral surgeon who is licensed and trained in anesthesia be with your child while the dentist or oral surgeon concentrates on the procedure.

This person will deliver and monitor deep sedation and general anesthesia while the dentist or oral surgeon is performing dental surgery on your child. Other personnel may also be present to assist with deep sedation and general anesthesia or the dental surgery.

General dentist: Has completed college, dental school, and passed all required exams through a State Dental Board. A general dentist has also obtained a dental license through his or her state.

Pediatric dentist: Has completed all the above training and licensure as a general dentist, as well as a pediatric dental residency usually years.

Pediatric sedation training is included in the residency training. Pediatric dentists may be board certified by taking and passing a national exam. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Completes an oral maxillofacial residency after dental school years.

Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons have a dental license, and some also have a medical license. In addition, some are granted a general anesthesia permit by a State Dental Board. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons may be board certified by taking and passing a national exam.

Anesthesiologist: A physician or dentist who completes a year anesthesiology residency after medical or dental school and passes all required exams.

Anesthesiologists can administer anesthesia for dental procedures and oral surgery, and they may have a permit from a State Dental Board to deliver anesthesia in a dental office. Physician and dentist anesthesiologists may have specialized training to treat children, and they may have board certification by taking and passing a national exam.

Nurse anesthetist: A registered nurse who completes a 2-year program after nursing school and has additional clinical experience. In some states, nurse anesthetists can administer anesthesia in a dental office without the supervision of a dentist or physician.

Dental hygienist: Completes a 2-year dental hygiene degree after high school—usually an Associate's Degree. Some dental hygienists have additional education and training such as a Bachelor's Degree. They are licensed by their state and can give local anesthesia numbing shots in the mouth.

Dental assistant: No formal training is required. Training may be "on the job. Dental assistants may be registered by their state dental board. Dental assistants do not qualify as independent observers for deep sedation or general anesthesia.

Dental sedation assistant: Requirements vary from state to state, but the dental sedation assistant can obtain a certificate allowing him or her to help watch patients under anesthesia.

Certificates can be obtained via an online education program or at an approved on-site educational program.