Patient Instructions

• Have your child refrain from eating for 2 hours prior to the appointment. If your child must eat, please provide only a light snack to prevent nausea or vomiting.
• Nitrous Oxide is delivered through a mask over the nose, so please be sure to let our team know if your child has any conditions that may make breathing through their nose difficult and reducing the nitrous oxide's effectiveness. 
• Please make our team aware of both over-the-counter and prescription medications that your child takes on a regular basis or that they may be taking on the day of the appointment.

1.  A sedation consent must be signed by the parent or legal guardian prior to your child's sedation appointment. If the parent or legal guardian will not be accompanying the child to the sedation appointment and a consent is not signed by the parent or legal guardian, your child's appointment will be rescheduled. Because your child may still be drowsy after treatment, we recommend that more than one person come to the appointment to assist in managing your child on the way home.
2. If your child develops a fever, cold, cough, runny nose or any other symptoms within 7 days prior to the day of treatment, please call us. It may be necessary to reschedule the sedation appointment.
3. Do not give your child ANYTHING to eat or drink after midnight the night before the appointment. (Nothing after getting up in the morning.) This is for your child's safety.
4. Notify us of any medications that have been given to your child within the last 24 hours before the sedation appointment. It is very important for your dentist to know because some medications may interact with the medication that we will be giving your child. Give your child only those medicatios he/she routinely takes unless otherwise instructed by the dentist.
5. Dress your child in loose, light, comfortable clothing. (Pajamas are appropriate.) Bring a change of clothing for your child. Please remove any nail polish from your child's fingernails and toenails.
6. Upon arriving for the appointment, your child will be given the sedative medication. If your child does not take the medication within a reasonable amount of time, it may be necessary to reschedule the appointment. The medication that your child will be given will NOT put your child to sleep. He/She may be very drowsy and fall asleep on their own during treatment. The sedation medication will take approximately 5 to 15 minutes to begin taking effect. The medication will take full effect after approximately 20 minutes At this time, your child will be taken to the treatment area, and you will be asked to remain in the lobby until treatment is finished.
7. Your child may be wrapped in our pedi-wrap during treatment. The pedi-wrap is a comfortable, protective device that resembles a sleeping bag. It is used to secure your child while treatment is performed to prevent him/her from rolling over or making unexpected movements during the procedure.
8. Your child's heart rate, breathing, and oxygen saturation will be monitored throughout the treatment.
9. It is important that you inform us if you cannot keep this appointment because sedation appointment times are very limited. If you are late for the sedation appointment, your child may be rescheduled. If you fail to keep this appointment without giving 24 hour notice, we may not be able to reschedule your appointment. Payment for treatment is due in full on the day of your child's sedation visit.

• To ensure your child's safety, we require a physical evaluation prior to the administration of general anesthesia for dental procedures. Our team will provide further information about any evaluations that may be required.
• It is important that you let us know if your child becomes ill before their general anesthesia appointment. In certain instances, we may need to reschedule the appointment.
• Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for fasting from both food and fluids prior to the general anesthesia appointment.

Your child may experience some tenderness for a day or two. If this persists, you may have them rinse with warm salt water 2-3 times per day. For discomfort you may also give your child Children’s Tylenol, Advil or Motrin as directed for the age and weight of your child.