Houston and Katy, TX Pediatric Dentist, Drs. Sheryl Hunter Griffith and Laji James

Please read the following information carefully to ensure the best for your child.

It is important for your child's safety that you follow these instructions carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.

Your child will not be put to "sleep" in our office! The purpose of conscious or "awake" sedation is to calm the child and reduce anxieties or discomfort associated with dental treatment. The effect of the sedation is to produce a profound relaxation to facilitate a more pleasant dental experience.

An occasional side effect of sedation can be nausea. It is important to insure that your child has not had food or drink (including water) for two (2) hours prior to scheduled appointment.

The sedative may have some effect for up to six hours following treatment. Arrangements should be made for a responsible adult to supervise the child's activities during this time, as they may be disoriented, clumsy or sleepy. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN TO RETURN YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL. It will be best for your child to have close attention for several hours.
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MEDICATIONS

Do not give your child ANY medications before the appointment which may combine with the sedative without checking with one of the doctors first.

If the child is on a regular medication, please inform the office when we confirm your child's appointment.

Sedating medications are chosen with consideration of your child's medical history, type of dental treatment necessary, discomfort potential, length of time required, and child's reaction to noise and activity in the mouth. Possibilities include: a narcotic medication indicated for pain relief, an anti-histamine medication which helps control the gag reflex (often more accentuated in children than in adults), an anxiolytic medication to relax and provide mild amnesia.

Nitrous oxide gas used in combination with oxygen may be useful to help control gagging, pain, and apprehension. The minimum amount necessary will be given. The gas does not affect the child after the procedure is over because it is completely gone from their body .

Restraint may be necessary for the very young or apprehensive patients. We cannot allow our patients to harm themselves during treatment. If restraint is used, we do not tell the child that they are being "bad", etc. We tell the child it is a blanket to keep them warm.

Local anesthesia (injection) will probably be used for more complicated dental restorations. Please do not tell your child in advance; usually they will not feel the anesthesia due to the sedation. We prefer that the children not worry about the "shot" before the appointment.

Parents are requested to remain in the office reception area during sedation and treatment time. The sedation takes approximately 30 minutes to take effect and most restorative treatment is completed in 30 - 45 minutes. Parents and patients are usually in the office less than 2 hours.

Your child will be given a Popsicle or juice to hydrate and provide fructose before they leave the office. This is particularly helpful if they have numb lips. ONLY soft foods are recommended until the anesthesia wears off in about two hours. While they are numb they can bite their lips or tongue, causing severe swelling, bruising, and pain.

Please call our office if you have any unanswered questions concerning sedation procedures. Before or after hours, our answering service will page one of the doctors.