Nitrous Oxide and Sedation in Santa Monica
Our goal is always to provide the most ideal dental treatment while ensuring your child is as comfortable as possible.
Depending on your child’s treatment needs, age, and level of cooperation, sedation may be recommended to aid in your child’s comfort. We offer three levels of sedation at our office 
including:
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral Conscious Sedation
- Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia
Nitrous Oxide or “Laughing Gas” (Inhalational Minimal Sedation)
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a safe and effective technique that relaxes your child and reduces their discomfort. The child becomes relaxed without falling asleep and is able to respond to our verbal instructions throughout the treatment.
The effects of nitrous oxide are mild, and it wears off by the end of the procedure. Nitrous oxide can be a safe and effective technique to help your child relax and make the visit feel like it went by quickly.
Prior to the appointment, please let us know if there are any changes to your child’s health and/or medical conditions.
Oral Sedation (Minimal to Moderate Sedation)
For younger children, where nitrous oxide alone may not be adequate, we may recommend the use of oral sedation, which can be more effective in relaxing your child. This involves providing an oral sedative medication in our office. After 30 to 60 minutes, the sedation will take effect, and your child will start to feel drowsy.
Nitrous oxide is often used in combination with this to help aid in a comfortable experience. Your child should then be very relaxed and may fall asleep briefly, but he or she will still be able to respond to verbal instructions. Special monitoring equipment is used during this treatment to ensure your child’s safety.
You will be provided with written instructions and information regarding your child’s oral sedation visit.
Deep Sedation or General Anesthesia in Santa Monica, CA
In the rare occasion that we are unable to complete your child’s treatment needs with our other techniques, deep sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended.
Very young children with extensive dental treatment or children with special healthcare needs may be candidates for this level of sedation/anesthesia.
Your child will be asleep and should not remember any of the procedures.
With the help of our highly trained anesthesiologist, your child will be safely sedated and monitored while the dentist completes the dental treatment. The anesthesiologist will continue to monitor your child throughout the treatment and after, until it is safe for your child to go home.
You will be provided with written instructions and information detailing your child’s dental treatment under IV sedation/general anesthesia.
