Sedation/General Anesthesia
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 apprehensive/anxious, or have strong gag reflexes. We administer this highly effective method in the form of an inhalation method using nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) and oxygen.
Deep sedation/general anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment. Our practice works with a pediatric dentist who is highly experienced in treating patients under sedation/general anesthesia through Children’s Hospital Oakland. For those patients who are in need of this type of treatment, a consultation appointment may be arranged through our office and details regarding the procedure will be discussed.