Nitrous Oxide

  Used in roughly one third of all dental practices in the United States, Nitrous Oxide, also known as N2O or laughing gas, has been praised as an effective sedative and painkiller, while being one of the safest forms of anesthesia available today. While there are very few risks, nitrous oxide has many benefits for patients with dental fears.

As a precaution, we instruct parents not to give their children any food or drink two hours before the procedure. A comfortable mask is fitted on the child and the child is instructed to breathe in from the nose and out through the mouth. The child will begin to feel the sedative effects within 30 seconds to 4 minutes.

Once the child has received the appropriate dose, Dr. Vafa will begin dental treatment. Once treatment is complete, the child will breathe through an oxygen mask to reverse the remaining effects of the nitrous oxide. Unlike other forms of anesthesia, a child under nitrous oxide should be able to resume normal activity after the dental visit.

Side effects are few and rare. High doses of nitrous oxide can cause nausea in some patients and roughly 10% of patients receive no effect. Patients who are claustrophobic or have blocked nasal passages should not use nitrous oxide.

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Oral Conscious Sedation

   Children who are more anxious may need an oral medication that is stronger than nitrous oxide. Several medications have a significant calming effect. When choosing a medication, Dr. Vafa will consider your child's anxiety level, his or her ability to cooperate and the treatment required.

With oral sedation, your child may be sleepy but can be aroused if necessary and can respond to simple commands. Minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur with some medications.

Before a visit in which your child is to receive oral sedation, you should receive instructions about eating and drinking, what to expect and what to watch for after treatment. You may need to carry your child home after sedation. We also discuss how your child will be monitored while he or she is sedated. You will need to stay for a short time after dental treatment has been completed so your child can be observed for full recovery and possible complications. The most popular medication used at sedation are Midazolam and Hydroxyzine.

     I .V. Sedation

      I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation. Dr. Vafa performs the dental treatment in our office with the child anesthetized under I.V. sedation, which is administered and monitored by an anesthesiologist.

Dr. Bruce vafa Sedation Dentist, Beverly Hills , Los Angeles