The majority of children suffer from dental fear and anxiety which complicates access to essential treatment. Therefore, Sedation dentistry helps patients relax during dental procedures. It implements to calm the patients and to control special needs while your child receives dental care.

The child is sedated for four main reasons:

• He or she is unmanageable.
• Has a severe gag response.
• Requires extensive dental treatment while the safety of the child may be compromised
• Has a parent with significant time limitations.

There are different types of sedation. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is one of the most common methods used for conscious relaxation. Similar to laughing gas, oral sedation may be another pediatric sedation option. It is often given as a flavored liquid form, but sometimes it may be a pill.

Patients are usually awake during the procedure

The Level of Sedation used includes:

• Minimal Sedation – you are awake but relaxed
• Moderate sedation (Conscious sedation) - you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
• Deep Sedation – you are on the edge of consciousness but still can be awakened.
• General Anesthesia – You are completely unconscious ( Explained in details in the next section)