Our compassionate team at Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry in Lawrenceville wants every child we treat to have a pleasant experience when they come to us for dental care. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to perform dental treatments that can make children uneasy. Some children are just naturally anxious and can benefit from some type of sedation. When appropriate, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation as options to ensure our young patients are able to feel calm and relaxed during their dental treatments.
Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas
One of the safest methods of dental sedation is nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. This mild sedative is breathed in through a nasal mask that is fitted over the nose. After inhaling the blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen, patients notice a calming feeling. Children can safely breathe nitrous oxide while we perform their dental treatments. The effects are mild, and your child will remain awake and aware during their treatment, but in a relaxed state-of-mind. This helps us complete our work quicker while putting less stress on the child. Once the treatment is finished, breathing oxygen will dissipate the nitrous oxide, and the sedative effect will dissipate.
Children’s IV Sedation
As caring and compassionate as our team is at Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry in Lawrenceville, some dental treatments can be unpleasant, albeit necessary. For lengthy treatments or more invasive procedures like tooth extractions, children’s IV sedation may be recommended to keep a child safe and calm during dental procedures. Children are placed in a sleep-like state to allow us to perform the needed dental treatment without causing stress or anxiety for the child.
If IV sedation is used for one of our patients, we utilize the services of a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure safety. This allows Dr. Chong to focus on the dental treatment he is performing while the anesthesiologist administers the sedation and monitors the child. The safety and comfort of our patients are always our top priorities.
Sedation dentistry can be a useful tool to make dental treatments less stressful or scary for children. At Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry in Lawrenceville, we offer both nitrous oxide and IV sedation for our young patients who have anxiety or trouble staying calm during dental treatments. To learn more about our dental sedation options for children, contact our office to speak to one of our knowledgeable dental team members.