In Office Sedation

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is a safe and effective mild sedation technique that allows a child to feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment, remaining fully awake. The effects wear off within minutes of finishing. Parents are always welcome in the room for these appointments

For patients that need a little more help tolerating smaller amounts of treatment, oral conscious sedation includes taking one or more medications by mouth in the dental office to induce a moderate sedation. The child remains conscious but significantly more relaxed than with nitrous oxide alone. Because we monitor the patient more closely, including the use of equipment that assists in monitoring multiple vital signs, parents are asked to remain in the waiting room for these types of visits.

For children with extensive treatment needs and/or who simply cannot tolerate treatment while awake, we have the option of general anesthesia, where a child can be completely asleep during the appointment. These procedures are done with the help of a licensed anesthesia provider, either in the out-patient operating room at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center or in our own office. Again, for this type of appointment, parents must remain in the waiting room.