Safe Dental Sedation

Nitrous Oxide “Laughing Gas”

Nitrous oxide is a gas that our San Diego, CA dentists use to make your child more comfortable during dental procedures. This gas is inhaled through a special mask that fits over your child’s nose and allows them to remain awake throughout their appointment. As well as reducing pain or discomfort, the gas also relieves any sense of anxiety your child may be experiencing. Nitrous oxide is administered by one of our trained team members, who continuously monitors your child throughout their procedure, ensuring that the experience is comfortable and free of fear or anxiety.

Prior To Your Child’s Appointment

• Please inform our team of any medications your child may be taking, as well as any underlying conditions that may affect respiration.
• Inform our team if your child is experiencing cold or allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose. This may reduce the effectiveness of nitrous oxide.
• Ensure that your child does not eat anything for at least two hours before their appointment.

After Your Child’s Appointment

• Your child will recover from the effects of nitrous oxide almost instantly after their treatment has been completed, allowing them to return to normal activities.
• Some side effects of nitrous oxide include nausea and vomiting. If your child feels sick following their appointment, ensure that they consume plenty of water and clear liquids until the symptoms subside.

I.V Sedation

Intravenous sedation is provided directly into the bloodstream to provide a quick and powerful sedation effect. Although the medication allows patients to remain awake, it produces an amnesiac effect that causes them to not remember their procedure. I.V sedation is administered under the guidance of our professional team members. We will take care to ensure that your child remains comfortable and safe by closely monitoring their vitals and respiration rates throughout their procedure.

Prior To Your Child’s Appointment

• Inform our team of any medical conditions your child has, as well as any medications they are currently taking.
• Ensure that your child does not eat anything for at least eight hours before their appointment. They may drink water up to two hours prior to their procedure.

After Your Child’s Appointment

• We recommend arranging the remainder of the day for your child to rest. I.V sedation may cause lingering effects, such as mild disorientation and drowsiness.
• Once the anesthetic wears off, over-the-counter pain medication can be provided to your child to ease any feelings of discomfort.

Along with nitrous oxide and I.V sedation, our practice also offers the following sedative types in our office:

• Oral sedation – Oral sedation is a type of sedative administered in the form of a pill. This sedative takes up to an hour before becoming fully effective, producing a feeling of drowsiness and complete relaxation.
• Local sedation – A local sedative is given by injection into a particular region of the mouth to temporarily numb the surrounding tissues and nerve endings. This blocks sensory receptors and allows treatment to be performed free from pain or discomfort.