Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry offers safe, gentle and effective sedation dentistry options for kids. It is used for long procedures, if multiple procedures are done at one time or if your child is nervous about their dental visit. For pediatric patients that need extra help staying calm, sedation dentistry allows a child to relax as the dentist completes the work your child needs. 

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry provides sedation dentistry in the form of nitrous oxide or, for longer, more complex procedures, IV sedation. 

How does nitrous oxide work?

Patients first inhale 100% oxygen through a soft nosepiece or mask. Then, nitrous oxide is slowly mixed in with the oxygen. Nitrous oxide usually starts to work in less than five minutes. Your pediatric dentist will adjust the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen for your child’s needs.

Sedation dentistry

What are the advantages of nitrous oxide for sedation?

  • The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation
  • There is no after effect 
  • Inhalation sedation is very effective and safe for children 
  • It works rapidly for relaxation and it clears from your child’s system rapidly as well

How does IV sedation work?

Also known as sleep dentistry, this procedure uses medications given into a vein. Your child will not be unconscious or asleep, though, and they will be able to hear the dentist and respond to him or her. It’s a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide and usually your child will have no memory of the dental procedures that were performed. 

What are the advantages of IV sedation?

  • Minimal to no pain. Patients can experience dental procedures with the maximum amount of pain control.
  • No memory. Amnesia is a side effect of the IV sedation which makes patients more cooperative and more likely to continue with regular dental visits improving their overall oral health.
  • Greater cooperation. The relaxed condition patients achieve through IV sedation allows the dentist to accomplish a greater amount of work in a shorter amount of time due to increased patient cooperation.

Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry takes pride in providing safe, effective and gentle sedation dentistry options for your child. If you believe your child can benefit from sedation dentistry options, contact Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry for an appointment by filling out our convenient online form or call at (919) 719-1780. We look forward to working with your child!Â