It is a controlled, pharmacologically induced, minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient’s ability to maintain an airway independently.
The doctor recommends sedation for patients who require dental care but are fearful and anxious and cannot cooperate for treatment.
Yes, the doctor will monitor and record all required vital signs for the patient throughout the procedure.
Dr. Libby is certified by the state of Arizona to provide this service.
Many children are calm, comfortable and confident in a pediatric dental office. Because pediatric dentists specialize in treating children, they make children feel special. The office is especially designed for children. Staff members choose to work in a pediatric dental office because they like kids.
Sometimes, however, a child feels anxious during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner, to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective technique to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.
A: Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide/oxygen from the body.
A: Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds and sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.
A: Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non-addictive. It is mild, easily taken and then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious, and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.
A: First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit. (Occasionally, nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach.) Second, tell your pediatric dentist about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell your pediatric dentist if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.
A: Pediatric dentists know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. Pediatric dentists have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.
If you have any questions regarding the use of sedation or nitrous oxide use, please talk to one of our doctors. They will be happy to review this with you. You can also go to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Web site at www.aapd.org.
Our doctors are certified Pediatric Dentists and members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
