Comfort Options for Your Child in Our Lynnwood Clinic
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Some children are given nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is administered over the child’s nose. This allows most children to relax without putting them to sleep.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Society of Anesthesiologists recognize this technique as a very safe and effective procedure used for treating children’s dental needs. The level of oxygen administered during the procedure is actually higher than ambient room air.
Oral Moderate (Conscious) Sedation
Sedation medications, which are administered orally, will help the child relax and comfortable during dental procedures to accomplish extensive treatment. The child will remain conscious during the procedure, but they probably won’t remember much about it. While they can communicate, they may feel drowsy, groggy and slur words. Some child does fall asleep with moderate sedation but can be easily woken back up.
Outpatient General Anesthesia
Sometimes a child may require general anesthesia which your child is an asleep to complete dental treatment due to young age with uncooperative behavior or a dental phobia or an extensive treatment needs.
We have a board-certified anesthesiologist who will provide general anesthesia in our office.
Although there is some risk associated with general anesthesia, it can be used safely and effectively when our board-certified anesthesiologist monitors your child closely. We will discuss the risks and benefits of general anesthesia with you and why it is recommended for your child during the visit.