Our doctors are trained in working with young, immature and sometimes frightened children and those children with special needs. At NOVA Children’s Dentistry, we provide pediatric sedation dentistry in Ashburn & South Riding. We do not recommend sedation for every child that comes to our office. Our goal is to treat children in the safest and least invasive way possible. Whether or not we recommend oral or general sedation for your child will depend on the doctor’s recommendation, your child’s condition and anxiety level, and the parent’s input.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Ashburn & South Riding
Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or “laughing gas” in order to relax them for dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gasses, nitrous oxide, and oxygen. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax but without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.
Prior to Your Appointment
Before you arrive for your dental appointment, please inform us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen. Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
Your child should NOT have any food or drink at least 2 hours prior to their appointment.
After the Sedation Appointment
Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely after any sedation dentistry. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm. If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first, it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible. If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to ensure that they do not inhale the vomit.
We use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during almost every procedure and so your child may have the tendency to bite or chew their lips, cheeks and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury to these areas. The area may become swollen and look concerning, but it should go away with proper care. Please call our office for any questions or concerns you might have regarding pediatric sedation dentistry in Ashburn and South Riding.
