Bloom Pediatric Dentistry

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Sedation Dentistry

Your child’s safety and comfort guide every decision we make. We always reach for the most conservative, least invasive approach first, but there are times when a little help relaxing allows us to care for your child gently and thoroughly. When that is the case, we will talk it through with you every step of the way, and we will only ever recommend sedation when it is truly in your child’s best interest.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

aka "happy air" aka "giggle gas"

Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is a safe, mild, and time-tested way to help children feel calm and at ease. Your child stays fully awake and responsive the whole time, just in a happier, more relaxed state.

Because its gentle effect wears off quickly, nitrous oxide is a favorite for little ones. It takes the edge off nervousness and helps an anxious child sail through their visit feeling comfortable. As always, we tailor every plan to the individual child and will only suggest it if we feel it will truly help
Kid undergoing sedation dentistry - Bloom Pediatric Dentistry

Oral Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a safe, non-invasive way to help a more anxious child feel calm and comfortable during treatment. The medication is chosen carefully based on your child’s age, overall health, level of anxiety, and the care they need, and it is often paired with nitrous oxide to reach the ideal, gentle level of relaxation.

After the medicine is given by mouth, it can take an hour or more to take full effect. Most children become relaxed and drowsy and may drift into a light, easily-woken sleep. This is not general anesthesia, so your child stays responsive throughout. Every child is different, and occasionally a child may feel restless rather than sleepy. If that happens, we will pause and revisit the plan together. Your child’s comfort always comes first.

Intravenous "IV" Sedation

For children with significant dental anxiety, fear should not stand in the way of the care they need. That is why we offer in-house IV sedation, provided by a dedicated anesthesiologist, so even our most nervous patients can receive excellent, comfortable treatment. If your child dreads the dentist, we understand. Please reach out, and we will gladly talk through whether IV sedation might be the right fit.