Dental Anesthesia

At Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry, our first and foremost priority is the safety and comfort of your child. Most dental procedures can be done with local anesthesia alone. In some instances, local anesthesia may be used in conjunction with nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the use of nitrous oxide as a very safe and effective way to mildly sedate children during dental treatments.

For slightly more involved procedures, some children may require the use of an oral medication along with nitrous oxide. These procedures are carefully scheduled, as we require that your child fast the morning of the procedure and be free of any respiratory symptoms in the two weeks preceding the procedure.

When extensive dental work is required, either IV sedation or general anesthesia may be used. For these procedures, our office works with an anesthesiologist, allowing for a safe and comfortable experience for the patient.