Sedation Dentist for Kids – Pickering, ON

Tackling Fears Safely & Effectively

It’s not uncommon for children to feel anxious, fearful, or nervous about visiting the dental office, especially when they’ve had a bad experience in the past. Our team at HiFive Kids Dental & Braces does everything we can to help your little one feel comfortable and create positive experiences that will have them excited to return. If your little one suffers from dental anxiety, give us a call to learn more about how we can help with sedation dentistry for kids in Pickering.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For children with severe dental anxiety or at a very young age, oral conscious sedation can come in handy. Oral sedation involves a “juice” drink that is an anxiety-relieving medication that will help them be more relaxed and allow us to complete dental treatment. A child will be calm but not asleep during oral sedation and should be able to communicate.

Learn More About Oral Conscious Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Young girl receiving nitrous oxide in Pickering

Anxiety can be real when it comes to dental visits for children or adults. We here at HiFive Kids Dental & Braces understand these fears and do our best to make our little patients’ visits as comfortable and fun as possible! When children need to have fillings or other types of dental work done, the tell-show-do method is very effective, but we may need additional “anxiety-relieving” techniques to help the child cope with the loud sounds and even sensations of our tools. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest methods we use to accomplish this. Historically known as “laughing gas,” it can help relieve anxiety for many children during dental treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Boy wearing a nasal mask at the dentist’s office

Nitrous oxide is one of the safest and mildest forms of sedation available. While it may be difficult as a parent to watch as your child undergoes any type of procedure, you can trust that this solution will help to keep them calm and relaxed during these appointments.

No matter the age of the patient, our team must conduct a thorough examination and discuss your child’s oral and medical health history. This will ensure that they are not taking anything that might interfere with the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide mixture.

If we find that your child suffers from any of the following, there is a good chance they’ll be eligible to receive nitrous oxide:

  • Your child is scared to visit the dentist’s office
  • They have a highly sensitive gag reflex
  • They’re unable to sit still for prolonged periods
  • They are fearful of needles

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide connections

It is a very safe, effective anxiolytic gas that has no long-lasting effects and even helps suppress the gag reflex for little ones who are prone to gagging. Nitrous oxide will not put your child to sleep - your child will be awake, alert, and able to respond to all verbal communication during treatment.

They may begin to feel slightly warm after they begin to breathe in the nitrous oxide through the nasal mask. It’s also possible that they might begin to giggle, as it’s commonly referred to as laughing gas. Once they start to feel comfortable and at ease, our team will begin our work, ensuring that your child remains free of any pain or fear throughout their appointment.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Dad and daughter smiling after dentist’s appointment

The effects of the gas quickly wear off once the treatment is done. Our team will remove the mask and turn off the nitrous oxide, allowing your child to breathe in pure oxygen when it’s all done. After a few minutes, you and your child can walk and talk happily all the way home, as they are unlikely to experience any negative side effects from the sedation.