Sedation Dentistry & Dental Anxiety Treatment For Kids in Del Mar, CA

Laughing Gas

Sometimes children are given laughing gas to relax them for their dental sedation treatment. It is anxiolytic and is not a sedative. Your child remains completely conscious but more relaxed during their time under the laughing gas inhalant. Laughing gas is given through a small breathing mask placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but doesn’t put them to sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry lists laughing gas as a very safe and effective technique to treat children during sedation dental treatment. The gas is mild, easily taken, and quickly eliminated from the body.

Before your child’s appointment:

• Please inform our office of any change to your child’s health.
• Tell us about any respiratory conditions that make breathing through the nose difficult for your child.
• Let our dental team know if your child is taking any medication.
• Your child should not have any food or drink for at least 2 hours before their appointment.

I.V. Sedation

I.V. Sedation is recommended for nervous children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under laughing gas. The sedation is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.

Before your child’s appointment:

• Please notify our office of any change in your child’s health. Please call to reschedule your child’s appointment if they have a fever, ear infection, or cold.
• It would be best to tell the dentist about any drugs your child is currently taking, any drug reactions, and changes in medical history.
• Please dress your child in comfortable clothing.
• Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom before the appointment.
• Your child should not have milk or food after midnight before the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY for up to six hours before the appointment.
• The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at our office during the appointment.
• If parents are busy on weekdays, schedule your appointment on Saturday cause
  the dental office opens on Saturday.

After your child’s appointment:

• Your child will be lazy and will need to be watched very closely.
• If your child wants to rest, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child up every hour and encourage them to have something to drink. The first meal your child eats should be light and easily digestible.