Calm and comfortable
Sleep Dentistry & Anesthesia
One of the many benefits we offer to families of children with special needs, high anxiety, or extensive treatment needs is our sleep dentistry option.
For children with high anxiety or sensory challenges, we have found that using Non-IV Conscious Sedation or General Anesthesia provides the best experience for both the child and parent, as well as providing for a child’s overall health and well-being.
For more information on Sleep Dentistry at World of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
Three options
Anesthesia options
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation
Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen can be used when required to help a child get over mild dental anxiety. This is a very safe and effective agent used to reduce anxiety and enhance effective communication in a mildly anxious child who might otherwise be very cooperative. With this technique, a fitted mask is placed over a child’s nose. Since the child experiences the feeling of relaxation and giddiness, Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Inhalation is also called ‘laughing gas’ or ‘silly air’.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation can safely and effectively be used with patients who are unable to receive dental care for reasons of age or mental, physical, or medical conditions. Sedation is used to help increase cooperation and reduce anxiety and/or discomfort associated with dental treatment in a child with more moderate anxiety. Various medications can be used along with nitrous oxide for sedation. Medicines are selected based upon a child’s overall health, level of anxiety, and dental treatment needed. Most children become relaxed and/or drowsy, but can be easily awakened and maintain their ability to communicate.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during a dental procedure. The use of general anesthesia is sometimes necessary to provide quality dental care for children in many different scenarios. These include children who are uncooperative, very young/pre-cooperative, more fearful or filled with extreme anxiety, medically compromised, special needs children, or the need for very involved and extensive dental treatment. General Anesthesia is performed in the office by a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist.
