Sedation Dentistry helps young children receive dental treatment who otherwise would not receive it. There are different options for sedation dentistry that can be used to help apprehensive children relax and allow Dr. Gifford to restore their mouth to a healthy state. After an initial examination Dr. Gifford will discuss the different options.

Nitrous Oxide

Often the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) helps the anxious child relax so treatment can be preformed comfortably.

Oral Sedation

We occasionally use a very mild sedative when needed, but children requiring heavy sedation or hospitalization are typically referred to a practice that specializes in hospital dentistry.

Candidates for Sedation dentistry include:

• Infants
• Children that have very extensive dental needs
• The very apprehensive child
• Children that have a very strong gag reflex
• Children that have had traumatic dental experiences
• Children that do not like the sounds and smells associated with dental care
• The medically compromised child
• The mentally handicapped child