Sedation Dental Services
What Is Sedation?
It is the use of medications to help increase cooperation and reduce anxiety and/or discomfort during dental procedures. Dr. Heckert will select the medication and dose based on your child's health, anxiety and dental treatment. Your child will not lose consciousness. (They will be relaxed but not asleep.) Sedation is safe for children when administered by a pediatric dentist who follows the sedation guidelines.
In office the most common sedation we use is Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. Nitrous is safe and effective in helping kids relax and feel more comfortable during procedures. Dimenhydrinate which is the active ingredient in Dramamine is used to relax the patient and with any gag reflexes. It is usually taken an hour before the appointment. Diazepam or Valium is used with dental anxiety and needs to be prescribed by the Doctor. Versed is used in only cases of extreme anxiety or when the child is unable to sit through a procedure. It helps patients feel relaxed and/or sleepy before procedures. Versed or Midazolam is a prescription medication that will be administered by the Doctor half an hour before the appointment.
- Nitrous Oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled.
- Dramaine is an antihistamine that can cause sleepiness and help with gagging.
- Valium helps with anxiety and will be prescribed by the Doctor.
- Versed causes patient to feel sleepy/relaxed and is prescribed by the Doctor.
Under certain circumstances we offer General Anesthesia for children with extensive dental needs and who cannot tolerate treatment. General Anesthesia is when your child is an induced state of unconsciousness. These services are provided in office with an licensed anesthesiologist.
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING A SPECIFIC DENTAL PROCEDURE OR CONDITION.