Nitrous Oxide
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen - or what you may know as laughing gas - to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small pleasantly scented breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, non-addictive and it 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.
General Anesthesia (GA)
General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, children with extensive dental needs, and/or children with special health care needs. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep while receiving dental treatment. While there are assumed risks with general anesthesia, it is safe and administered by highly trained anesthesia providers. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes general anesthesia as a safe way for children to receive quality 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.
Our office is pleased to provide in-office general anesthesia (GA) administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist as a safe way for our patients to get the care they need. While your child is under GA, your child’s dental treatment will be provided by one of our pediatric dentists, Dr. Chelsea Brown or Dr. Emily Taylor.
Dr. Taylor also maintains hospital privileges at the operating room/surgery center facilities at Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla.
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Prior to your child's general anesthesia appointment:
- Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Should your child become ill, contact us immediately to see IF it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- Please inform the doctor of any prescriptions 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.
- Your child should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure. This and other specific pre-operative instructions will be given to you before your procedure. Please be sure our office has the best phone number to contact you.
- The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office, hospital, or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure.
After the general anesthesia 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.
- Your child's first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to ensure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Prior to leaving the office/hospital/outpatient center, you will be given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency contact number if needed.