Sedation Options at Columbus Pediatric Dentistry
Tailored Solutions That Fit Your Child’s Needs
At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Harvey offers sedation options to help ensure your child feels relaxed, safe, and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. We are committed to providing the most appropriate care for your child’s specific needs.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Gentle, Stress-Free Dental Visits at Columbus Pediatric Dentistry
We understand that the dentist can sometimes feel overwhelming for children. That’s why Dr. Harvey offers nitrous oxide sedation — commonly known as “laughing gas” — to help ease anxiety and create a more relaxed experience for your child.
Nitrous oxide is a safe, mild sedative that’s inhaled through a soft nose mask. It takes effect quickly to help children feel calm, comfortable, and less nervous during their appointment as they remain awake and responsive. Best of all, the effects wear off within minutes after treatment, so your child can return to their normal activities.
Nitrous oxide is most effective for children who are mildly anxious yet cooperative. It’s a great option for helping your child relax and manage any discomfort during their visit.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Kids:
- Safe for most children
- Fast-acting and easy to administer
- Helps manage fear, gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still
- Used for restorative dental care or minimally invasive dentistry in the office
Whether your child is nervous about a procedure or needs extra help relaxing in the dental chair, nitrous oxide sedation can make their visit smoother and more positive, from start to finish.
General Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Procedures
Comfortable, Complete Care for Complex Needs
For children with extensive dental needs, severe anxiety, or special healthcare considerations, general anesthesia may be the safest and most effective option. At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Harvey partners with Columbus Community Hospital to offer general anesthesia when necessary.
General anesthesia allows your child to sleep through the entire procedure, enabling Dr. Harvey to complete multiple treatments in one visit. This approach is especially beneficial for children with significant dental work and is performed in a hospital setting with the help of a nurse anesthetist and/or an anesthesiologist.
When Is General Anesthesia Recommended?
- Extensive dental work needed
- Children who cannot tolerate in-office procedures
- Special needs patients
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
General anesthesia is a safe and common procedure, similar to those used for ear tube placements or tonsil removals. While there are always risks associated with any surgical procedure, Dr. Harvey will carefully discuss the benefits and any potential concerns with you, ensuring you feel confident in your child’s care.
This option is typically recommended for children who experience high levels of anxiety or have complex medical histories that make traditional behavior management techniques ineffective. Dr. Harvey will walk you through every step, from pre-operative instructions to post-operative care, all to keep your child’s comfort, safety, and well-being as the top priority.
