We at BabyTeeth Children's Dentistry, take pride in caring for the dental health of your children. We take great pride in primarily using behavior management techniques when providing dental care to our patients. We understand that many parents are concerned about the use of sedative agents on young children and in over 95% of cases, we treat children without any sedative agents!

In fact, much of the dental treatment we provide is without the use of local anesthetics (shots) or sedative drugs.

Although in most cases we can provide quality dental treatment by using various non-pharmacological behavior management techniques, in some cases children would benefit from the use of pharmacological sedation agents. As Pediatric Dentists, we have been highly trained to safely utilize the various form of sedation available for use in the dental setting. When using sedation agents, we follow the strict guidlines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If the use of a sedative medication is indicated for your child, we will discuss the various options as well as the benefits and possible risks of each type of sedation agent. Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions you may have.

The following is an overview of sedation agents available to our patients...

Sedation Options:
To help make it easier for your child to receive dental care, if necessary, we offer the following sedation options:

• Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas")
• Oral Sedation
• I.V. Sedation (Administered by an Anesthesiologist)

Instructions Regarding Treatment Under Oral Sedation:
The purpose of this sedative is to help make it easier for your child to receive dental care. The sedative is not intended to put your child to sleep, rather it should help your child to be calm and relaxed, allowing us to provide the best quality dental care under the safest conditions.

The sedative will be given to your child by his/her dentist about one hour before the dental work is begun. Therefore, it is important that you arrive at the office promptly. After the medication has been given it is not uncommon for the child to appear slightly agitated as the medication begin to take effect. He or she will calm down as more drug is absorbed and this should not be cause for alarm. The sedative may make the child dizzy and clumsy and he/she should not be allowed to walk or run around unassisted. It is best if the child is kept sitting on your lap, or sitting on a chair next to you. This dizziness and sleepiness may last for several hours after the appointment, and a close watch should be kept on the child to make sure that he/she does not hurt himself/herself. If the child falls asleep, please make sure that he/she sleeps on his/her stomach or side, NOT ON HIS/HER BACK.

We strongly suggest that a second adult come with you to assist during transportation following the treatment. Please follow these instructions PRIOR to the sedation appointment:

• If possible, prior to the appointment try to reassure the child that he/she will be treated in a friendly, and caring environment. Try to "paint a POSITIVE mental image."
• If the child has an elevated temperature, is sick, or has trouble breathing through his/her nose, please call us as soon as possible so that we may reschedule the appointment.
• Don't give the child anything to eat or drink for AT LEAST 5 to 6 hours before the appointment.
• Arrive to the appointment on time! Failure to arrive at the office promptly, may necessitate rescheduling the appointment and a cancellation fee.
• Take your child to the restroom when you arrive at our office, before he/she takes the medication.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office or send us an e-mail. It is in everyone's best interest that the above instructions are followed; we look forward to treating your child in the safest, most comfortable manner possible!