Sedation Dentistry

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps the patient feel calm, relaxed and at ease during dental procedures.

Who needs sedation dentistry?

People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. We recommend this option for patients with:

  • Dental anxiety.
  • A fear of visiting the dentist.
  • An overly sensitive gag reflex.
  • Extreme teeth sensitivity.
  • Involved nature of dental procedure
  • Inability to cooperate

What types of sedation are offered at Awesome Kids Teeth?

Nitrous Oxide

Awesome Kids Teeth offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It is a safe, effective technique for reducing anxiety in children. Nitrous oxide will not put your child to sleep, but it will keep them calm so that we can maximize the time that they spend in the dental chair. Nitrous oxide sedation is that it takes effect quickly and usually dissipates within a couple minutes after treatment with no after-effects.

In-Hospital General Anesthesia

In some cases, it’s easier for your child if we use general anesthesia. We are affiliated with Franciscan Hospital, where we will treat your child in a highly controlled setting. General anesthesia is can be used with a young child who requires multiple procedures. With general anesthesia, your child will go into a deep sleep. This will keep them comfortable and prevent them from moving around so that your dentist can work most efficiently.

In-Office General Anesthesia

Awesome Kids Teeth also offers general anesthesia in our Framingham office. We are partnered with an anesthesiologist. We will be happy to answer all your questions about sedation.

Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Most pediatric medical literature places the risk of a serious reaction in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far better than the assumed risk of even driving a car daily. The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment. The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life-threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.

Prior to your appointment

Sleep Dentistry/Out-Patient Day Surgery

  • 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 medications your child is currently taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications) 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 ensure 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.

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Our Hours

* Hours subject to change

Primary Location

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed