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Sedation Dentistry for Children in NYC

Sedation Dentistry

Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Sedation is commonly used for young children who have a high-level of anxiety, and also for children with special needs. For these children, several procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions often require sedation. Our board-certified pediatric dentist will speak with you regarding pre and post sedation facts and instructions. We offer sedation dentistry using either nitrous oxide gas or general anesthesia for children in our NYC office.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

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Alleviate your child's dental anxiety and phobias

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Make going to the dentist a comfortable and positive experience to avoid further negative associations

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More precise dental treatment for children who tend to be very active in the chair

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Allow for children who have difficulty sitting still for a long time to get a lengthy procedure done

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective method endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. The use of nitrous oxide therapy will help decrease anxiety to calm your child’s nerves or fear of the dentist and reduce pain. The gas is inhaled through a small flavored nasal mask that fits over your child’s nose and it is exhaled through the mouth. Laughing gas takes effect very quickly. Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and in no time at all your child will feel relaxed. Patients remain conscious throughout the procedure and can speak to their dentist throughout their visit, but they should feel a light, airy sensation. Treatment is incredibly gentle, and once the mask is removed, the gas is soon eliminated from the body. It takes just a few minutes to recover.

What is nitrous oxide gas (or laughing gas) made of?

As its name implies, nitrous oxide gas is simply a blend of the two gases: oxygen and nitrogen. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a relaxing effect. Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide gas from the body.

How will my child feel under nitrous oxide gas?

Your child will smell a calm, embracing aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

Is nitrous oxide gas safe?

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative available in dentistry. It has a rapid onset and the effects wear off quickly. It is also non-addictive, mild, administered easily, and quickly eliminated through the body. Your child will remain fully conscious and maintain all natural reflexes.

General Anesthesia

For very young and very anxious children who need a substantial amount of dental work, nitrous oxide may not be sufficient to provide safe treatment and to preserve the dental office as a positive setting. General anesthesia is used when indicated, and your child will be asleep for the entire procedure. It can be worrying for parents to think their child needs sedation dentistry, but it is very safe. Our pediatric dentists work with a board-certified dental anesthesiologist to ensure the utmost safety and provision of quality care. We will discuss the treatment plan with you in advance, and give you instructions on how to care for your child before and after treatment. Once your child has had treatment, we will want to keep a close eye on our patient, and will not send them home until they are recovered from being sedated.

Our board-certified pediatric dentists in NYC are experienced in managing children who have dental anxiety, and will only recommend using sedation solutions if necessary. We know how difficult it can be to bring a child with dental anxiety to the dentist, but we have options to make it a little easier for both you and your child. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, so please use the contact form below to ask us any questions!