941.484.2629
Kids Choose Us

941.484.2629

333 Miami Ave W #3
Venice, FL 34285

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Dental Sedation

Dental sedation is a technique that can be used when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia.

We are happy to offer a number of solutions for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry techniques enable patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as ‘laughing gas,’ is often used to relax children for dental treatment. Two gases, nitrous oxide and oxygen, are blended together and given through a small flavored breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, inducing a state of relaxation. While inhaling the nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all of his/her natural reflexes. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as safe and effective to use for treating children’s dental needs. The non-addictive gas has a mild flavor, and with normal breathing, is quickly eliminated from the body.

Prior to your appointment:
  • Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
  • Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
  • Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious.

There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for conscious sedation. Dr. Khatri will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific drugs we plan to give to your child.

I.V. Sedation

I.V. Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that will not tolerate dental care in the routine setting. Our goal is to complete your child’s dental work safely and provide the most pleasant dental experience for your child and your family. We work with Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates, a team of extraordinary board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists. Dr. Khatri and our office have worked with this team of doctors since 2008, and together they have served countless families with children requiring sedation. Dr. Khatri performs the required dental treatment in our office while the anesthesiologist maintains the sedation. Please visit their website at www.pediatricsedation.com.

  • Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
  • You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
  • Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
  • Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.
  • Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to the appointment.
  • The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
After the sedation appointment:
  • Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
  • If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
  • If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.

Please call our office for any questions or concerns that you might have.

Outpatient General Anesthesia

Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation or I.V. sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. If your child requires general anesthesia for dental care, Dr. Khatri and our team will work with your family to refer you to one of our colleagues with credentials at a surgery center or hospital. 

“Doc, sedation sounds awfully scary”

Safety is our #1 goal. And providing a great, easy experience for your child and your family is our #2 goal. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if Dr. Khatri suggests this avenue for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Most pediatric medical literature places the risk of a serious reaction in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far better than the assumed risk of even driving a car daily. The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment. The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.

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