Sedation Dentistry
At Bliss Pediatric Dentistry, we want your child to feel at ease and comfortable throughout their treatment. In certain cases, sedation may be the best option to help your child stay anxiety-free and safe during the procedure. We offer various in-house sedation options in our Rosharon pediatric dental office.
Our Services
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
We offer nitrous oxide sedation at our office to ensure a comfortable experience for your child during their dental procedure. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a nose mask. Despite its nickname, not all children experience laughter when administered with laughing gas. Many times, children report sensations such as feeling tickled, floating, or flying.
The effects of nitrous oxide are gentle, and your child will feel calmer and more relaxed, without falling asleep. These effects wear off quickly and they breathe 100% oxygen before leaving the office so your child can return to their regular activities shortly after.
One of the advantages of nitrous oxide is its safety as a sedative, making it a great choice for children. The most common side effects of nitrous oxide include nausea and vomiting, so it is recommended to avoid a heavy meal 3 hours prior to the appointment.
To ensure the safety and suitability of nitrous oxide for your child, please inform us if your child is currently taking any medications, has rare anemias, vitamin deficiencies, or an ear infection, as these factors may affect their eligibility for nitrous oxide administration.
At Bliss Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize creating a comforting environment for all children. Nitrous oxide sedation is a safe and effective method to help your child feel more relaxed during their dental procedure. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact our team.
In-Office Anesthesiologist
In certain cases when children require extensive dental work, experience severe anxiety, have specific healthcare requirements, or are too young to cooperate with other treatment methods, IV sedation or general anesthesia may be necessary. To ensure your child's safety throughout the procedure, a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist will be involved in administering the sedation or anesthesia. Our team will evaluate your child's suitability for in-office IV sedation or general anesthesia and determine if they are a suitable candidate for this approach.
Before your appointment:
Please inform us if there have been any changes in your child's health or medical condition. If your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold, please do not bring them for treatment. If your child becomes ill before the appointment, contact us to determine if it is necessary to reschedule.
Inform the doctor about any medications your child is currently taking and any past drug reactions or changes in their medical history.
Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Ensure that your child uses the bathroom right before arriving at the office.
Your child should not consume milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. Clear liquids such as water, apple juice, or Gatorade are allowed up to 6 hours before the appointment.
The child's parent or legal guardian must be present at the office throughout the entire procedure.
Moderate Sedation (Oral or IM)
When your child is more anxious or requires extensive dental work, the use of oral medications in conjunction with nitrous oxide can be provided to help them relax during the necessary procedures. The selection of cases is crucial in achieving successful outcomes, and the doctor will assess your child's condition to determine if they are suitable for oral sedation. Our office will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child's medical history, physical condition, and discuss all relevant information with you to determine if this option is available for your child. Ensuring your child's overall health is in good condition prior to the sedation is essential for optimizing the treatment. Our team will carefully review all the instructions to ensure your child's safety throughout the treatment process. For more detailed information, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's resource on Preparing Your Child Before, During, and After Sedation.
Before your appointment:
Please inform us if there have been any changes in your child's health or medical condition. If your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold, please do not bring them for treatment. If your child becomes ill before the appointment, contact us to determine if it is necessary to reschedule.
Inform the doctor about any medications your child is currently taking and any past drug reactions or changes in their medical history.
Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Ensure that your child uses the bathroom right before arriving at the office.
Your child should not consume any food or liquids after midnight on the night before the appointment.
The child's parent or legal guardian must be present at the office throughout the entire procedure.
Keep a close eye on your child while the medication takes effect. Hold them in your lap or keep them close to you. Do not allow them to run around.
Your child may appear drowsy and may initially show some excitement as the medication begins to work.