Sedation

Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for the dentist to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for special needs children. There are many safe and effective drugs available today that can help relax the child and promote a good environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.

Conscious sedation is an option for children who are older (six years and above) and are mildly apprehensive. This highly effective method can be administered in oral form or in an inhalation method using nitrous oxide (N20-02). In our office, we provide nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation. This will be discussed with the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the patient before treatment to ensure the optimum beneficial outcome.

Deep sedation is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment, even with nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation. In those cases, it is in your child’s best interest and safety, to have treatment done in a hospital setting. A proper referral form will be provided and we will make sure your child is scheduled appropriately with Baltimore Surgery Center. To find out more about the center, please visit their website: https://www.baltsurgery.com/

For more information on Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide gas, please visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website at:

Click here for ADA info on Nitrous Oxide

Oral Surgery Under Sedation

Your child will be assessed for need for oral surgery, including wisdom teeth extraction and/or orthodontic extractions. And if your child gets a referral from his or her orthodontist to been seen by oral surgery or in need for extractions, please give us a call to make an appointment for consultation to see our oral surgeon.

Our oral surgery specialist will review all referrals given to your child, assess medical history, and will place a treatment plan accordingly and may recommend conscious or deep sedation. 

Sedation dentistry is most helpful for:

  • Infants
  • Children who require major treatment
  • A very anxious child
  • Children that have had traumatic dental experiences (sound and smell aversion)
  • Children with a strong gag reflex
  • Children who are medically compromised or have special needs