Sedation Dentistry

Often children are overly nervous or unable to cooperate for the dental care that they need. The goal of sedation dentistry is to complete the necessary dental work while making the experience as positive as possible for the child. Our pediatric dentists have completed an additional two years of training.

A large part of this additional training is how to competently, safely administer the use of nitrous oxide, and perform oral conscious sedation. During this residency, pediatric dentists learn to navigate hospitals and become qualified to perform procedures while working with an Anesthesia Provider. Our dentists are required 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

Nitrous Oxide, or laughing gas, is administered to the patient through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. When breathed, the gas causes the patient to experience a calming sensation and allows them to relax without becoming 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 liquid form and are given to your child to drink. As with Nitrous Oxide, the patient will remain conscious but will be less aware of any pain they may be experiencing. 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 a surgical center for a general anesthetic. If this option is used, the patient will be 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 area.