Blooming Smiles: Your Sedation Dentistry Expert
Dr. Golian at Blooming Smiles is pleased to provide Sedation dentistry to his patients. Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Golian is a certified Sedation expert. On a daily basis he administers different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide (known as laughing gas), and oral sedatives in a welcoming and professional setting. Dr. Golian works very closely with an experienced anesthesiologist for I.V sedation and general anesthesia cases to ensure a safe and pain-free procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Your Child?
Sedation dentistry can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps, or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions can require sedation.
Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your pediatric dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their pediatric dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for 5 to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea or constipation. Your pediatric dentist will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions. Also see the post-treatment page on our website for more information.
Oral Conscious Sedation
The use of oral sedation allows us to perform your child’s dental procedures safely and comfortably in an office setting. With oral sedation, your child will be given a liquid medication (that decreases his/her anxiety) to drink prior to his/her dental procedure. Within 15-20 minutes, the medication will take affect, making your child drowsy. However, he/she will not sleep through the dental procedure. Laughing gas may be used in combination with oral sedation to help your child relax.
Every child reacts differently to the medication – some become giggly, some become tired and some may react by becoming hyper or upset. Your child’s vital signs will be obtained prior to giving your child the medication and will be monitored throughout the procedure. A pulse oximeter will be placed on your child’s finger, earlobe or toe to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood. After about 30 minutes, the medication will start to wear off but your child may feel groggy for several hours, so parent supervision is required for the first few hours after the visit.
IV Sedation / General Anesthesia
IV Sedation is safe and effective and is only administered by a certified anesthesiologist in our office or surgery center. With this form of sedation, an IV is placed to administer the medication and will put your child in a deep sleep. After dental treatment is complete, the anesthesia will be reversed and your child will begin to wake up.
Within an hour of the completion of the procedure, patients are alert enough to go home. At this time the anesthesiologist and dentist will give any post-operative instructions. It is required to have adult supervision for the remainder of the day and not allowed to participate in any activities in which lack of coordination or alertness might hurt them.
Talk to Dr. Golian at Blooming Smiles Today About Sedation Dentistry!
Dr. Golian promises to make dental procedures stress free for both you and your child. Our experienced staff at Blooming Smiles is ready to answer any questions you may have about your child’s dental procedure and whether or not Sedation Dentistry is the right choice. Contact us today and we will be happy to explain all of your child’s treatment options.