We understand that some children may feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist. Our goal is to create a comfortable, safe, and positive experience for every child. Depending on your child’s needs, treatment requirements, and level of anxiety, different sedation options may be recommended to help them feel relaxed while receiving the care they need.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most commonly used methods for helping children manage mild to moderate dental anxiety. It can help reduce discomfort and the gag reflex during treatment.
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. Your child will continue breathing normally and will remain awake, responsive, and able to communicate throughout the appointment.
To help prevent nausea during the procedure, please do not give your child anything to eat for 3 hours before their nitrous oxide appointment. If your child has eaten within the 3 hours before their appointment, we will need to reschedule.
Oral sedation may be recommended for children who require more extensive treatment, have experienced previous dental challenges, or feel significant anxiety about dental care. This medication is given in liquid form and helps your child enter a more relaxed state while remaining awake and able to communicate.
Oral sedation can help create a calm environment that allows our team to provide safe and effective dental treatment.
To reduce the chance of nausea during the procedure, please do not give your child anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before their oral sedation appointment. If your child has consumed anything within the 6 hours before their appointment, we will need to reschedule.
In some cases, the extent of treatment required, your child’s age, or certain medical considerations may mean that dental treatment is best completed under general anesthesia.
We coordinate general anesthesia appointments at a pediatric surgical centre with a specialized pediatric anesthesiology team. This option can be discussed in detail with parents or guardians beforehand to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment plan for your child.