Nitrous Oxide:
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is inhaled by your child through their nose to help them relax during their dental visits. It will not put them to sleep, and when the dental visit is over your child can return to school or other activities right away. We ask that your child not eat at least an hour before receiving nitrous, as it can cause nausea if their belly is full!
Oral Sedation:
Oral sedation provides a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide alone. Your child will drink a medication in our office along with receiving nitrous oxide in order to achieve an ideal level of relaxation. Often times, several areas of treatment can be done at once under this type of sedation as a benefit to your child by avoiding multiple visits.
General Anesthesia:
If your child is unable to tolerate dental treatment in the office with nitrous oxide or oral sedation, it may be recommended that they be treated under general anesthesia. Your child will be put to sleep and monitored by a licensed anesthesiologist while Dr. Cook completes their full treatment plan, including a cleaning and X-rays if necessary. Treatment can be completed either in-office or at Boston Children’s Hospital.
NPO Guidelines
Prior to your child being sedated for oral or general anesthesia, NO FOOD IS ALLOWED AFTER MIDNIGHT the night before their procedure. They can have clear liquids (water or apple juice only) up until 2 hours before their appointment time. If your child normally takes a medication in the morning, please ask our office if they should take it the morning of their procedure.
