As a specialist paediatric dental team, we understand that young children and some older children might find dental treatment quite challenging to cope with. We offer treatment using nitrous oxide sedation in surgery and treatment under general anaesthesia at hospitals.
Nitrous oxide “happy gas” sedation is a common conscious sedation used for dental treatment. By using a special mask that fits over the nose, your child breathes in the nitrous oxide at time of the dental procedure. The gas will begin to work within a few minutes and often gives a relaxed feeling. Nitrous oxide is effective and safe, and the effects are reversed quickly at the completion of treatment.
Nitrous oxide sedation promotes a calm and relaxed environment which can assist your child to cope with fear and anxiety and cooperate with dental treatment. Recommendation of nitrous oxide sedation by our paediatric dentists is based on your child’s age, level of anxiety, amount of dental work that needs to be completed and length and number of appointment. Children who are very young or have severe anxiety with limited coping skills, blocked nose, extensive treatment needs are NOT the candidates for nitrous oxide sedation.
Children who are very young, anxious or children with additional /special needs may consider having comprehensive dental treatment completed under general anaesthetic in a single visit. General anaesthesia means that your child is medically asleep while receiving dental care. This mode of treatment is safe and effective for children who are unable to cope treatment, and will minimize children having a negative experience and developing dental fear. Further information will be given to you by our team if your child requires this treatment modality.
For more information, visit https://www.anzca.edu.au/patient-information/anaesthesia-information-for-patients-and-carers/anaesthesia-for-children
Dr Vicky Law performs dental procedures under general anaesthetic at paediatric accredited day surgery at private hospitals with highly qualified anaesthetists with many years of paediatric experience providing the general anaesthetic service. Dr Vicky Law is an accredited visiting medical officer at St Andrew’s Place Day Surgery Hospital (Spring Hill), Peninsula Private Hospital (Kippa Ring) and Herston Private Hospital (Herston), and holds regular operating lists at these hospitals. You will find additional information regarding the hospitals where we operate.