Through the modern miracle of sedation dentistry, dentists can treat anxious patients and often accomplish dental work in one or two visits that may have required many more visits without it. Coscious sedation and general anesthesia are two approaches Berry Children Dental uses to treat anxious, young and fearful patients.

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide Sedation, more commonly known as laughing gas, decreases anxiety and promotes relaxation while you remain conscious. Nitrous oxide and oxygen are mixed together and then inhaled through a mask that covers the nose prior to having a dental procedure performed to produce sensations of lightheadedness, relaxation, and a comfortable, warm-all-over feeling. Safe, effective, and non-invasive, nitrous oxide is the sedation method of choice for anxious or fearful patients. Prior to your appointment: Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition. Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen. Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment. Close

• Nitrous Oxide Used with Oral Medication

There are certain instances where moderately fearful patients need alittle bit more then just nitrous oxide alone. Sometimes the dentist will decide to give your child a oral sedative drug 30-60 minutes prior to the dental procedure. At the start of treatment the child will be started on nitrous oxide. It is the combination of these 2 medicaments that will acheive the desired calming effect. Your child will remain conscious for the lenght of the procedure, but will be in a state of complete relaxation. Your child will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their safety. This form of sedation is a good choice for children that need help to overcome their anxiety and fear of receiving dental treatment. Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment. You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history. Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office. Your child should not have solid food for at least 6 hours prior to their sedation appointment and only clear liquids for up to 4 hours before the appointment. The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure. Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep close to you. Do not let them "run around." Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first. After the sedation appointment: Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm. If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible. If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit. Because we use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during the procedure, your child may have the tendency to bite or chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury to these areas. Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have Close

• General Anesthesia (Hospital Dentistry)

The use of general anesthesia for dental care in children is sometimes necessary to provide safe, efficient and effective care. This approach is reserved for the extremely fearful, uncooperative, and or young children requiring extensive dental treatment. Children are taken to the hospital for same day, out patient surgery to have dental treatment done in one visit while they are sleep.When they wake up they don't remember a thing and their dental work is done. Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment. You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history. Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing. Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to the appointment. The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure. After the appointment: Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm. If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible. If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit. Prior to leaving the hospital/outpatient center, you will be given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency contact number if needed. Close

• I.V. Sedation

Intravenous sedation alleviates pain and ensures your maximum comfort during a planned dental procedure. Although you will remain conscious following I.V. sedation, you will experience a complete state of relaxation and will not feel pain. You will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. I.V. sedation is a good choice for patients who wish to overcome their anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist for treatment. Close