Conventional Treatment  |  Nitrous Oxide  |  Outpatient General Anesthesia

Conventional Treatment

We are pleased to offer a fun facility and the expertise and training of our staff and doctors to provide care to our patients. Our staff obtains the cooperation of our child or adolescent patients by using warmth, friendliness, persuasion, humor, charm, gentleness, kindness and understanding. There are several behavior management techniques used by Dr. Davis, Dr. Lee and staff during a visit with each patient. These techniques include:

• Tell-Show-Do
• Modeling from other patients
• Positive reinforcement
• Distraction – music, pictures on the ceiling, movies
• Helpful tools – mouth pillows, rubber raincoats
• Toys, Video Games, Etch-a-Sketch, kids’ magazines

During our new patient visit, we will explore options that are best for your child.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas”, is widely used in pediatric dental offices with children receiving dental care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this as a very safe, effective technique to use for helping children tolerate dental care. It is ideal for use in our office because it is very safe, begins to work rapidly, and is quickly eliminated from the body. Children are not put to sleep when breathing nitrous oxide, but are fully conscious and keep all natural reflexes.

Please note that nitrous oxide is intended to decrease anxiety. As such, it is not always effective in extremely anxious/fearful children. Drs. Davis or Lee will discuss all options with you to help you decide which is most appropriate for your child.

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 you child has had a recent ear infection
• Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment. This includes prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Outpatient General Anesthesia

Outpatient General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not tolerate treatment using traditional methods. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes placed, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment under general anesthesia.

Prior to your appointment:

• Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
• You must tell the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications) and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
• Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight, due to the potentially life threatening risks associated with aspiration pneumonia.
• The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the hospital or surgical site waiting room during the complete procedure.

After the 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. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
• If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
• Prior to leaving the hospital/outpatient center, you will be given a detailed list of "Post-Op Instructions" and an emergency contact number if needed.