Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures for very young children and patients with dental phobias or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"), IV sedation, oral sedative and general anesthesia.
In our office we use nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") and oral sedation to calm a patient. Very young children with a dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, pulpotomies, crowns and extractions often require sedation.