Conscious sedation provides safe and comfortable dental treatment for patients with special needs. Conscious sedation is a method of managing pain and anxiety during professional dental care through the use of medication. During your child's initial exam your child's behavior will be assessed to determine if they are a candidate for conscious sedation for any follow up treatment, which we will discuss with you. There are several factors to consider when deciding which medication is best for your child. Medications commonly used in our office are Demerol(Meperidine HCL) vistaril (Hydroxyzine Pamoate), or Versed (Midazolam HCL).

Children can benefit from conscious sedation if they experience one or more of the following:

• Dental fear or anxiety of dental care
• Complex dental problems
• Too young to understand treatment
• Fear of injections
• Previous traumatic experience
• Patients who are difficult to numb
• Patients with sensitive teeth

The two most common types of sedation dentistry are:

1. Oral Conscious Sedation
2. Inhalation Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation

Through this type of sedation your child will experience deep relaxation while still being conscious . Your doctor will provide your child with an oral or nasal medication that is easy to administer and safe for the patient. When the medication takes effect, your child will be able to speak and respond to external requests, however, they may not be coherent and their muscles will be very relaxed.

If dental work is extensive and/or conscious sedation is not a suitable option for our child we have the option of treating your child in the hospital or surgery center as an outpatient. During these hospital visits your child will be "Put to Sleep" using general anesthesia.

Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation uses Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (laughing gas) to help your body achieve a relaxed state. This is the most popular form of sedation used in dentistry today.