Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Nick and the team at Hilliard Pediatric Dentistry are committed to making your child’s experience as pleasant as possible. In some instances, sedation dentistry may be recommended.

We use a variety of techniques when sedation is needed. Sedation is generally used for long or multiple procedures, or for children with significant fear, special needs, or the inability to sit still.

Sedation medication keeps your child calm but not sound asleep.

What Types of Sedation Do You Use?

We use a variety of sedation techniques depending on the procedure. We will give you complete information about the sedation and pre- or post-appointment instructions.

Nitrous Oxide
Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a safe, mild sedative. Your child will be awake during the entire procedure but relaxed, and he or she may feel “happy.”

Minimal Conscious Sedation
if your child is anxious, minimal conscious sedation may be recommended. The goal of oral sedation is to make your child relaxed and calm but awake. Nitrous oxide is often recommended in conjunction with conscious sedation. We will give you complete instructions about care before and after.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation and General Anesthesia
IV sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended if your child has significant dental needs, anxiety, or medical history that requires them to be asleep for dental treatment. Your child will feel no pain during the procedure nor have any memory of it. IV sedation takes place at our office, and general anesthesia is performed at a nearby hospital.