Sedation Dentistry
Often, children are overly nervous or unable to cooperate with the dental care they need. The goal of sedation dentistry is to complete the necessary dental work. Making the experience as positive as possible for the child.
Our pediatric dentists completed an additional two years of training. A large part of this additional residency training is how to competently and safely administer nitrous oxide and perform oral conscious sedation. During this residency pediatric dentists also learn how to navigate hospitals. They become qualified to perform procedures while working with an Anesthesia Provider.
We require our Dentists to take continuing professional education courses each year to learn the latest techniques, procedures, and processes of sedation dentistry as guided by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
We administer Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”) to the patient through a mask placed over their nose. When breathed, the gas causes the patient to experience a calming sensation and allows them to relax without going unconscious. One of the benefits of this sedation method is that there are very few side effects. The patient fully recovers just minutes after the sedation process is complete.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedative medications are a non-threatening way to relax the patient in the dental office. They come in a liquid form given to your child to drink. As with Nitrous Oxide, the patient remains conscious but is less aware of the pain they may experience. Oral Conscious Sedation is often used in conjunction with Nitrous Oxide
General Anesthesia
The last option for sedation would be to schedule an appointment with a hospital or surgical center for a general anesthetic. The patient is fully unconscious for the duration of the dental procedure. As pediatric dental specialists, each of our doctors is authorized to practice hospital dentistry at several locations in the Bangor and Augusta areas.