We recognize that some of our patients may feel anxious or apprehensive about receiving dental care. Our doctors and staff work hard to make sure that you have a comfortable, positive experience, and that’s why we are pleased to offer IV sedation dentistry for those patients needing a little extra comfort before receiving treatment. Feeling anxious about receiving dental care should never prevent you from having the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
There are different types of sedation dentistry, and you and your doctor will work together to decide on a personalized treatment plan that will give you the care you need while ensuring your comfort every step of the way.
Our offices work alongside two anesthesia groups in order to perform IV sedation to our young patients. We are excited to partner with Texas Dental Anesthesia and Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates to provide the best care possible for your child.
Please feel free to visit their webistes at
Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates
When you arrive for your child’s procedure, the registered dental assistant will ask when was your child’s last meal, review the medical history, and explain what to expect. After all your questions are answered, you will be asked to sign the sedation anesthesia consent.
Your child will be distracted with toys and/or movies while flavored sleepy air or a twilight medication injection ar administered. After asleep, an IV will be placed for continuous administration of anesthesia medications until the dental procedure is completed. We recommend you do not tell your child about the IV, in our experience this only increases their anxiety and may make them more resistant. We like to make it a fun experience for your child to make furture dental visits go smoothly.
You will not be able to come in the room while your child is being sedated. This is solely for your child’s safety. Our doctors will be accompanied with a medical team who will be caring for your child.
Your child will have EKG, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygenation monitors throughout the procedure. The sedative medication infusion is continued throughout the dentla treatment. Nitrous oxide and oxygen provides your child additional pain relief for the minor discomfort associated with dental treatment. Our dentist will inform you if local anesthesia was used.
At the end of the dental treatment, the IV medicine is turned off, and the IV and monitors are removed as your child begins to awaken.
You can be with your child as they awaken. Our Recovery Nurse will monitor your child’s progress and review with you the discharge instructions and home care. It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour before your child will be ready to travel home. Your child may be sleepy and idzzy for 3-4 hours. children can drink and eat soft foods soon after the procedure. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
We understand that you may have many questions about IV sedation dentistry before receiving treatment. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about IV sedation dentistry:
In most cases, patients do not feel anything. There is very little discomfort, and many patients wake up feeling relaxed and comfortable with almost no memory of the treatment.
IV Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for many patients to receive dental treatment. Before starting your treatment with IV sedation, your doctor will help you decide if IV sedation is right for your treatment.
Any patient, from child to adult, who experiences dental anxiety is a good candidate for IV sedation dentistry. If you have any of the following fears or concerns, ask us about IV sedation dentistry as an option for your child’s next dental treatment:
If you feel that your little one could benefit from IV sedation dentistry at your next appointment, please contact us and let us know how we can better accommodate your needs.
