Pediatric Sedation Dentistry San Antonio TX

There are several types or levels of sedation, ranging from mild sedation, like nitrous oxide, to deep sedation like general anesthesia. Your children’s sedation dentists, Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Nelly will always recommend the level of sedation that best suits your child’s needs based on their age and the extent of dental treatment needed.

• Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an effective way to reduce mild anxiety during dental treatment. Your child will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask, and within minutes they will feel more calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide is very safe and is rapidly cleared from the body. Minutes after dental treatment is complete, the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off.
• Oral Conscious Sedation – This type of sedation is indicated for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need multiple appointments to complete their dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry, your child will feel sleepy and relaxed, but they will remain awake and responsive to verbal commands. Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Nelly will give your child an oral dose of one or more medications based on your child’s age and weight. Oral conscious sedation is effective for most patients; however, some kids require a deep sedation to have their dental needs met.
• General Anesthesia – Deep sedation, or general anesthesia, is indicated for very young patients with extensive dental needs, patients with special health care needs, patients with severe dental anxiety, and for patients for whom moderate sedation was not successful. Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Nelly will work with a board-certified anesthesiologist to safely provide this type of sedation in-office. While under general anesthesia, your child will not be able to feel or remember the procedure at all.