Sedation Dentistry

NITROUS OXIDE SEDATION (“laughing gas”)
Even though we will make every effort to make our office as welcoming to children as possible, strange sounds and sights as well as anticipation of unfamiliar procedures can make your children anxious. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is a safe and effective way to calm a child’s fear of dental visits. It can also help with your child’s strong gag reflex. It is administered over a child’s nose, and its effect wears off quickly after it is turned off at the end of the planned procedure.

Nitrous oxide may not help every child. If your child has nasal congestion due to cold or seasonal allergies, or if your child cannot tolerate a nasal hood or is unable/unwilling to breathe through his/her nose, nitrous oxide will not be effective. Please consult with Dr. Kim during treatment planning to see if nitrous oxide can help your child.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA
If your child has extensive treatment needs, is extremely fearful or anxious, or is too young to understand and tolerate procedures, general anesthesia may be necessary to provide comprehensive care in a safe manner. It allows your child to receive all necessary dental treatment while “completely asleep,” which will help avoid extreme dental fear from developing during multiple visits required to complete treatment. General anesthesia is administered by a qualified anesthesiologist, and your child is closely monitored during and after the procedure until he/she is deemed ready to go home.

Dr. Kim will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have regarding treatment under general anesthesia.