Special Care for Patients with Dental Anxiety

Sometimes a child comes to us that has had a negative dental experience or they are too young to understand the dental treatment needed. We offer different sedation options to help them relax and make their dental appointment more comfortable for everyone, patient and parent alike.

For most patients, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is plenty to help your child relax. Nitrous oxide is very safe. It is mixed with oxygen and delivered with a small mask worn over your child’s nose. Your child is awake, responsive, and breathes without assistance. When treatment is finished, the mask is removed, and within a few breaths of air, the nitrous oxide has left your child’s system.

If your child is older or suffers from severe anxiety, oral sedation (a pill or liquid medicine), IV sedation, or general anesthesia in a hospital setting under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist may be recommended. Our doctors will be able to discuss these options with you to help your child get the care they need.