Special Needs Dentistry
Your child needs more than just a gentle hand and caring manner. We are trained and experienced in behavioral relaxation and distraction methods. We talk to your child in terms they will understand and relate to and try to focus them on familiar, pleasant things. When this is not enough, we can also administer sedation and anesthesia. This way we can focus on treating your child in comfort no matter what their situation.
Keeping Your Child in the Dentist’s Chair
Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your child’s nose. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide allows the patient to breathe normally through their nose, and within minutes they should start to feel the effects. They may feel light-headed or notice a tingling in their arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, they should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for your child.