SEDATION DENTISTRY

Safely Treating The Most Anxious Patients With Sedation Dentistry

At Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in giving a child the minimum sedation necessary while maintaining their comfort.

Sedation dentistry helps our young patients be calm and comfortable and remain safe during dental treatment. Using appropriate sedation is a recommended process by the American Dental Association as needed to help a patient feel at ease. Before treatment, it is important to inform us of any and all medical concerns, medications, or treatments before using a sedative or anesthetic. Our dentists will discuss the varying options and sedation process, including both pre- and post-sedation instructions before treatment.

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What Is Sedation?

We offer a wide variety of options to help your child feel calm during dental treatment. Many of our patients express concern about the idea of their child being put to sleep through sedation. Sedation does not only mean putting to sleep. Using varying medicine, we can relieve pain, numb the area being treated, and help your child feel relaxed, helping them be more comfortable during dental treatment.

When Is Sedation Used?

We use sedation to help our young patients feel more at ease, but the other benefit is that it allows us to complete more steps during their appointment, meaning less time in the chair.

We will recommend sedation when:

Completing larger procedures such as fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions and periodontal treatments
Working with more fearful patients, have lower pain tolerance, have a strong gag reflex, have various physical handicaps or are not at an age that they can understand what we are doing.
Working with patients who find it challenging to stay still.

Forms Of Sedation

At Puget Sound Pediatric Dentistry, we offer varying types of sedation, starting with local numbing anesthetic and inhalants, oral sedatives, general anesthetic, and IV sedation.

General Anesthetic

Most often referred to as a local anesthetic, this form of sedation is known for its needle. It is the most typical sedative we use. It numbs the area, the child feels little to no discomfort, and the effects wear off within 1-2 hours following the procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, is a conscious sedative inhaled during dental treatment. The mixture used today won’t give you the giggles and is very safe and effective. Nitrous oxide is a gas administered with a blend of oxygen. It induces a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. It is a very mild sedative, so patients are awake and can talk to their dentist during treatment.

Oral Sedatives

Taken by mouth, our younger patients can receive an oral sedative through a drink that is mixed with juice. This sedation requires no needles and is easy to swallow. Oral sedatives are not a sleep-inducing medication but can often relax a child enough that they fall asleep.