Sedation Dentistry Services

Nitrous Oxide aka "Laughing Gas" Info:

• helps to relax children for their dental treatment
• mild, easily taken, and non-addictive
• nitrous oxide/oxygen blend
• given through a small breathing mask over the nose
• deemed as safe and effective by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Prior to Appointment:

• inform us of any changes to your child's health and/or medical condition
• inform us of any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child, this may limit the effectiveness of the "Laughing Gas"
• inform us if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment

Conscious Sedation Info:

• recommended for very young or apprehensive children
• calms children and reduces anxiety and discomfort
• children may become drowsy and even fall asleep, but will not become unconscious
• various medications; your dentist will select the best one for your child & answer all of your questions

Prior to Your Child's Sedation Appointment:

• do not bring your child in for treatment if they have a fever; please call in to postpone the appointment
• inform us of any changes to your child's health and/or medical condition
• inform us if your child has any prescriptions or has any drug reactions
• please dress your child in comfortable shoes and with no ponytails or buns in the back of the head
• please make sure your child goes to the bathroom right before arriving to the office
• your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours prior to their sedation appointment
• be sure that the child's parent or legal guardian remains at the office during the complete procedure
• please watch your child closely as the medication takes effect; do not leave them unattended
• your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first
  
• we do not recommend that your child return to school

After Your Child's Sedation Appointment:

• your child will be drowsy; monitor them very closely and keep them away from areas of potential harm
• at first, give your child sips of water or clear liquids to prevent nausea
• your child's first meal should be light and easy to digest
• if your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up.
• wake them up every hour
• encourage them to drink water to prevent dehydration
• if your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to ensure that they do not inhale the vomit
• because we use local anesthetic to numb your child's mouth during the procedure, your child may bite or chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue, and scratch their face after treatment
• please observe your child carefully to prevent injury to these areas
• please call our office at 361-851-1876with any questions or concerns that you might have
  

Outpatient General Anesthesia Info:

• recommended for very young or apprehensive children, or children with special needs who do not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation
• general anesthesia will have your child fall completely asleep
• outpatient general anesthesia is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only

Prior to Your Child's Outpatient General Anesthesia Appointment:

• do not bring your child in for treatment if they have a fever, ear infection, or cold; please call in to postpone the appointment
• inform us of any changes to your child's health and/or medical condition
• inform us if your child has any prescriptions or has any drug reactions
• please dress your child in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
• your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled appointment
• the child's parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure

After Your Child's Outpatient General Anesthesia Appointment:

• prior to leaving the hospital/outpatient center, you will be given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency contact number, if needed
• your child will be drowsy; monitor them very closely and keep them away from areas of potential harm
• your child's first meal should be light and easy to digest
• if your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up.
• wake them up every hour
• encourage them to drink water to prevent dehydration
• if your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to ensure that they do not inhale the vomit