Sedation Modalities

Children who are very young or who have a high level of anxiety that interferes with the cooperation necessary for the dentist to perform treatment may require some level of sedation. Sedation is also helpful for special needs children. There are many safe and effective methods available today that can help relax the child and promote a good environment for optimal and safe dental treatment.  Doctors Molina, Wilkerson and Zeff will recommend and review the best treatment option for your child.

Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas,” although not truly a sedative, acts to gently relax the child and is the most effective method to assist the mildly anxious patient. It involves breathing through a nosepiece and helps place the patient in a more relaxed state. The patient is fully aware of their surroundings and remains conscious throughout the procedure. The child will always be breathing at least 50% oxygen and at the completion of dental treatment, the patient is given 100% oxygen, which flushes the body of nitrous oxide and its side effects.

In-Office Oral Conscious Sedation is used to assist the younger patient or more apprehensive child. The effect of these oral medications is to quiet and calm the child without putting them to sleep. The aware child may fall asleep during the procedure but can be aroused and is capable of following directions when asked.  In addition to the oral medication, nitrous oxide is also used during this procedure.

General Anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children that are unable, by either age or maturity level, to cooperate during dental treatment. This level of patient management is provided in an outpatient surgery center by Dr. Molina and Dr. Zeff

• Hospital Dentistry: For those patients whose medical history dictates treatment in a hospital setting, Dr. Molina and Dr. Zeff are on staff at Renown Hospital and Surgical Arts Surgery Center and Surgery Center of Reno. Our doctors along with our anesthesiologist will thoroughly review your child’s medical history and treatment needs to asses the most appropriate setting for their dental care.

Sedation Dentistry is most helpful for:

• Infants
• Children who are pre-cooperative or pre-communicative
• Children who exhibit a high level of anxiety or apprehension
• Children who have extensive dental needs
• Children who have had a traumatic dental experience
• Children with developmental disabilities