Sedation

As we all know, cavities happen...and getting cavities fixed can cause some serious anxiety. Most of the time, we can make children comfortable during treatment by talking through the procedure in kid terms and working gently but quickly. Unfortunately, some children are either too young to understand or too afraid for our magic touch to work. This is one reason pediatric dentists spend an extra couple years at school! We have lots of extra tools to help us take care of your child. Our treatment options range from nitrous oxide (happy gas) to mild sedation to general anesthesia. Whatever the case may be, we are prepared to help your child through difficult procedures with the highest quality care. The last thing we want is for your child to be afraid of the dentist as so many people are.

Frequently Asked Sedation Questions

WILL MY CHILD SLEEP DURING TREAMENT?
Conscious sedation has the benefit of making children drowsy and less fearful during dental treatment. They may or may not fall asleep. This makes the experience more comfortable for your child and enables the dentist to safely complete the required treatment. Occasionally, if circumstances require, children are put to sleep under general anesthesia.

WILL MY CHILD CRY?
Every child reacts differently; where some sleep peacefully, others may cry. There are numerous variables that contribute to the success of your child’s appointment. We cannot promise that your child will not have any negative reactions; but we can promise that we will give your child the same care and compassion that each of us would give our own children.

MAY I ACCOMPANY MY CHILD TO THE TREATMENT ROOM?
During a sedation appointment it is imperative that the focus be solely on your child. At the same time, we want your child to focus solely on Dr. Piper and his team. For this reason, we may ask that parents remain in our family room during treatment. Often times, parents are very worried for their children and your child may become scared. "Why is Mommy so scared? Something bad must be happening!" For some parents, it is hard to separate from their child. Please remember that it is for the safety and welfare of your child that we allow only sedation personnel in the operatory during sedation appointments.