Sedation Dentistry – Marietta, GA

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Many kids experience anxiety or agitation when it’s time to sit in the dentist’s chair, regardless of the reason for their visit. Dr. Vahid understands that children have unique fears, needs, and challenges that can make it difficult to sit still throughout their procedure and offers nitrous oxide sedation to calm their frayed nerves.

This medication, commonly known as laughing gas, can help them feel relaxed, but you must consult our team first to ensure your child is a good candidate. Continue reading to learn more about how it works and who it helps, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) has been used for centuries, so its effects are well-documented. It’s considered safe for most people, including children, when administered by qualified professionals, like Dr. Vahid.

We might suggest this medication if your child has:

• Challenges sitting still for longer periods.
• A fear of needles.
• A strong gag reflex.
• Extreme anxiety or overstimulation at the dentist’s office.
• A resistance to local numbing agents.

However, our Woodland Pediatric Dentistry will update your child’s medical history before administering this or any sedative to avoid doing anything that might interfere with their general health. If they have sinus congestion, respiratory disease, or are taking other medications that could have adverse effects, we might recommend against it.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

This fast-acting drug is inhaled through a small gas mask that’s placed over your child’s nose while we work. It usually kicks in within moments, typically inducing a sense of calm, relaxation, or euphoria. It doesn’t put your kid to sleep, but it can cause tingling or tickly sensations in the limbs or give them a bad case of the giggles, hence its popular nickname.  

Then, the impact wears off just as quickly as it begins once the mask is removed. There usually aren’t lingering aftereffects, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take your child to school or resume their normal activities afterward.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide doesn’t usually produce lingering aftereffects to be aware of, but there’s a chance it might induce some mild lightheadedness or nausea. As a result, we may monitor your child for a few minutes once their procedure is complete to ensure they’re steady on their feet before releasing them to your care.

Then, depending on their procedure, we might also provide additional aftercare instructions to follow that are intended to help your child recover as quickly as possible without developing potential complications.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is used on children who have high anxiety, can’t tolerate dental procedures, or need extensive treatment. This option is fast-acting, non-traumatizing and makes patients fall asleep, so your child won’t remember the dental treatment. Our Anesthesia team further ensures safety by monitoring your child’s vitals during the procedure and post operatively.

For more information about sedation-assisted treatment, make an appointment with Dr. Sheh Vahid to discuss if this is an appropriate option for your child.

Learn More from the PDAA

Dr. Georgina Kesterson

Dr. Kesterson received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1986. She then completed her anesthesiology residency at Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in 1990 where she did advanced training focused on pediatric anesthesiology. She was board-certified in anesthesiology in 1991 and has spent over 25 years providing anesthesia in both hospital and outpatient settings. Her career has included working at the Children’s Hospital of San Diego, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates. Thanks to her, even children with extreme dental anxiety or special needs can get the dental care they deserve while remaining comfortable and staying in their home office.

Is My Child a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

In order to see if your child qualifies for IV sedation, please contact our office or schedule a consult visit .

Barring these concerns, a child may benefit from sedation if they have any of the following:

• Mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety that interferes with dental care
• Difficulty sitting in chairs for extended periods
• A fear of needles
• An overactive gag reflex
• Past traumatic dental experiences
• Extensive procedures requiring multiple appointments