Sedation Options

in the comfort of our kid-friendly office
Teens

We offer a variety of sedation options based on your child’s needs. Sedation is a great option for children with multiple areas (or quadrants) of treatment needs, complex medical histories or special health care needs and who are unable to cooperate for treatment in the office.

In-Office General Anesthesia

We work with Piedmont Triad Anesthesia (PTA), a physician anesthesiologist group, during our in-office general anesthesia cases. Each of their doctors is board-certified and highly trained to administer anesthesia and monitor your child during the procedure. During each case, 2 specialized nurses are also present. PTA closely monitors your child during the entire appointment. GA cases are typically longer cases involving multiple teeth in younger children, children with special health care needs, or children with dental fear or anxiety. In-office general anesthesia is a great option for children with multiple areas (or quadrants) of treatment needs. It is also a great option for younger children or children with special health care needs who cannot cooperate with minimal or moderate sedation techniques. Patients are completely asleep when general anesthesia is employed. General anesthesia is the technique that is used in the operating room, however, we are able to offer it conveniently in the comfort of our kid-friendly office.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and virtually odorless gas with anxiolytic and analgesic properties that is breathed in by the patient through a fitted nose piece. The gas tends to raise the patient’s pain threshold and help them simply not care about what is going on. Once treatment is completed, the patient breathes 100% oxygen to eliminate the nitrous oxide completely from their system.

Moderate (Oral) Sedation

Moderate sedation, or previously termed “conscious” or “oral” sedation, is a level of sedation in which your child responds purposely to verbal commands or light tactile stimulation. Our highly trained pediatric dentists use a combination of oral medications based upon your child’s medical history and level of dental anxiety. These medications have anxiolytic, analgesic, and amnesic effects allowing the dental treatment to be completed safely. Your child will begin to feel sleepy after taking the medication. He or she will be carried or rolled in our “little red wagon” back to the treatment room. After the appointment, your child will remain sleepy for the remainder of the day, returning to normal the day after the sedation.

More Info About In-Office General Anesthesia

We work with Piedmont Triad Anesthesia (PTA), a physician anesthesiologist group, during our in-office general anesthesia (GA) cases. Each of their doctors is board-certified and highly trained to administer anesthesia and monitor your child during the procedure. During each case, 2 specialized nurses are also present. PTA closely monitors your child during the entire appointment. Please call us if you have any questions call us at 336-659-9500.

Our pediatric dentists will evaluate cases individually before recommending GA. GA cases are typically longer cases involving multiple teeth in younger children, children with special health care needs, or children with dental fear or anxiety. On the morning of your child’s GA case, you will relax in a consult room before he or she is brought back to the treatment room. During the case, our team will provide you with updates, and once treatment is completed and your child is in the recovery room, we will bring you back to be with your child.

In-office general anesthesia is a great option for children with multiple areas (or quadrants) of treatment needs. It is also a great option for younger children or children with special health care needs who cannot cooperate with minimal or moderate sedation techniques. Patients are completely asleep when general anesthesia is employed. General anesthesia is the technique that is used in the operating room, however, we are able to offer it conveniently in the comfort of our kid-friendly office. For more information, please call our office at 336-659-9500.

Yes. General anesthesia has long been proven to be safe. We always recommend your child to see his or her pediatrician before having GA for a history and physical.

Our pediatric dental specialists carefully review your child’s medical history before recommending in office GA. In some cases, we will recommend treatment in the operating room at the outpatient hospital instead of in-office GA.

Dr. Tina Discusses General Anesthesia

More Info About Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and virtually odorless gas with anxiolytic and analgesic properties that is breathed in by the patient through a fitted nose piece. Once treatment is completed, the patient breathes 100% oxygen to eliminate the nitrous oxide completely from their system.

If your child chooses, they will be offered a sweet scent to smell. This scent is placed in the fitted nose piece that will be worn by your child through the duration of their appointment. The nitrous oxide encourages relaxation. It is also called “laughing gas” since it can make your child feel unusually happy. Their arms and legs may feel slightly “tingly.” The gas tends to raise the patient’s pain threshold and help them to simply not care about what is going on.

Very. Our doctors evaluate each patient and their specific medical history to ensure their safety. Generally, nitrous oxide is very well tolerated. The gas has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations, and is non-allergenic. Your child remains 100% conscious, allowing them to maintain all-natural reflexes. Little to no food prior to an appointment with nitrous oxide is best. Occasionally, nausea or vomiting may occur when a child has a full stomach.

Every child is unique and tolerates treatment uniquely. Our pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s level of dental anxiety, medical history, and dental treatment needs prior to recommending nitrous oxide. As specialty-trained pediatric dentists, they are capable of offering other sedation methods to best fit your child.

More Info About Moderate (Oral) Sedation

Moderate sedation, or previously termed “conscious” or “oral” sedation, is a level of sedation in which your child responds purposely to verbal commands or light tactile stimulation. Our highly trained pediatric dentists use a combination of oral medications based upon your child’s medical history and level of dental anxiety. These medications have anxiolytic, analgesic, and amnesic effects allowing the dental treatment to be completed safely.

Your child will begin to feel sleepy after taking the medication. You and your child will relax in one of our private rooms with the lights low to help him or her to relax prior to the appointment. He or she will be carried or rolled in our “little red wagon” back to the treatment room. After the appointment, your child will remain sleepy for the remainder of the day, returning to normal the day after the sedation.

Yes, moderate sedation is very safe. Moderate sedation is treatment planned only after a thorough review of your child’s medical history. An updated physical from their pediatrician will also be required prior to treatment. We ask the child to arrive on an empty stomach (no food or drink after midnight) to prevent nausea and vomiting during the procedure. Your child vitals are closely monitored before, during and after the procedure.

Every child is unique and tolerates treatment uniquely. Our pediatric dentist will evaluate your child’s level of dental anxiety, medical history, and dental treatment needs prior to recommending moderate sedation. As specialty-trained pediatric dentists, they are capable of offering other treatment modalities to best fit your child.