Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless, mild gas typically inhaled through the nose. Commonly known as “laughing gas,” this type of sedation does not put the patient to sleep but makes them more relaxed. It may cause lightheadedness or silliness, and has a slightly sweet taste and smell to some. Nitrous oxide is often used in Tucson pediatric sedation dentistry to help children stay calm and comfortable during dental treatments.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a form of sedation using a medication given by mouth to a child to minimize anxiety. It is intended to make patients feel more relaxed and cooperative, where they may not be in normal circumstances. Often, patients may not be able to tolerate treatment with nitrous oxide alone. Oral sedation can go a step further to help alleviate severe anxiety. Oral sedation is commonly used in Tucson pediatric sedation dentistry to ensure children can undergo dental procedures with minimal discomfort and stress.
In-Office General Anesthesia
In-office general anesthesia is often used to treat children who cannot tolerate treatment in the dental chair under normal circumstances. This inability to tolerate such procedures can be due to age, medical history, behavioral problems, or the extent of treatment needed. The patient is typically unconscious during the procedure and is always being monitored by an anesthesiologist. In-office general anesthesia is a key component of our Tucson pediatric sedation dentistry, ensuring that children receive the necessary treatment in a safe and comfortable environment.
Hospital-Based Dentistry
Some children may not be candidates for in-office general anesthesia due to their compromised medical history and may need to be treated under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. In these cases, Tucson pediatric sedation dentistry provides alternative options, ensuring every child receives the care they need in the safest setting possible.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Along with Great Grins Children’s Dentistry offering various options for receiving anesthesia, Tucson pediatric sedation dentistry also offers various benefits. The use of anesthesia can help manage the patient’s behavior by alleviating anxiety or temporarily putting them to sleep. Sedation levels can also be personalized to the correct level depending on the needs of the patient. Anesthesia makes dental procedures seamless and efficient, and makes patients more comfortable, therefore encouraging them to visit the dentist more often.
