Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide in the dental office to calm a patient, oral sedatives in the office for a more profound sense of comfort and general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep in a local hospital or surgery center. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Pediatric Dental care often requires sedation to achieve adequate health care and obtain safe results. In an effort to provide excellent results our Doctors and our staff receive yearly training for emergency medical management which includes CPR, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Watts are both Board Certified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists and received extensive post graduate anesthesia training making them more than qualified to manage sedated patients, especially the little ones:)
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is an effective way to 
make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your Pediatric Dentist about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is the safest analgesic that exists today. Due to the fact that it is inhaled, verses being ingested, it is quickly eliminated from the body following treatment. Nitrous is simply breathed free from the body, leaving the patient in their same condition as prior to the appointment. Due to its safety and efficacy it is is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can communicate throughout the entire appointment. After treatment, the nitrous is discontinued and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes. The effects wear off almost immediately with sometimes a rare side effect of nausea.