Pediatric Dental Sedation

Dental anxiety is common in children. In addition, a child’s age, level of development, a pronounced gag reflex, and many other factors can affect their ability to cooperate for dental procedures. If your child is particularly nervous, has a difficult time getting comfortable at the dentist, or will be having a more invasive procedure performed, sedation may help them have a more calm, comfortable, and successful dental visit.

 

We offer 3 options to address your child’s dental needs:

 

-Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)

-IV Sedation

-General Anesthesia

 

Nitrous Oxide sedation is a mild, conscious sedation. A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is delivered through a nose mask throughout the dental procedure. It can produce feelings of calm, euphoria, relaxation and has an analgesic (pain reducing) quality. After the dental

treatment is complete, pure oxygen is administered for at least 5 minutes, the effects of the laughing gas go away, and your child leaves the office without significant drowsiness.

 

IV Sedation

For children who require more invasive, lengthy procedures, or those who require a deeper sedation to have a successful dental visit, we offer in-office IV sedation. We partner with Mill City Anesthesia to provide this service at our Woodbury office location. Our patients are given medicine through an IV to achieve the appropriate level of sedation. With IV sedation, we have the ability to complete multiple procedures in one visit, including taking x-rays, sealants, fillings, crowns, extractions, and more.

 

General Anesthesia

For very young children, those with extensive dental needs, or children with more complex medical histories, providing dental treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital setting may be the best option. Our pediatric dentists provide dental care at Minnesota Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. We work with the Children’s pediatric anesthesia team- an anesthesiologist (MD), a nurse anesthetist (CRNA), and several nurses (RNs)- to provide exceptional care to our patients. During general anesthesia, we are able to take care of all your child’s dental needs in a single visit. It is an outpatient procedure: you and your child check-in, meet the hospital staff, say hello to your usual pediatric dentist from our office, and return home after the dental treatment is complete.