Behavior

Simple Behavior Techniques

Tell, Show, Do
This technique is used on virtually all patients. We explain to our patients what we will do. We show them what we will do. Then, we do it. This is a simple, yet effective technique for a large majority of patients.

Voice Control
This technique is used to intercept inappropriate behavior as it begins. The dentist alters voice tone and volume to interject more authority.

Protective Stabilization
Very young children and some special needs patients are unable to understand the need for dental treatment. This technique is used to protect them from harming themselves. This technique is only used when absolutely necessary. Parental consent is always obtained prior to using this technique. The stabilizer is the same one used in pediatric emergency rooms when stitches need to be placed on young children.

Nitrous Oxide “Laughing Gas” with Oxygen

Some children are given nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is administered over the child’s nose. This allows most children to relax without putting them to sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Society of Anesthesiologists recognize this technique as a very safe and effective procedure used for treating children’s dental needs. The level of oxygen administered during the procedure is actually higher than ambient room air. A photo is provided showing the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

Prior to your appointment using Nitrous Oxide with Oxygen:

• Please let us know of any changes to your child’s health and/or medical condition or if any new medications are taken or prescribed.
• Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen. Some examples include colds, flu, and sniffles.
• Let us know if your child has taken any medication on the day of the appointment.
• Do not eat or drink 2 hours before the dental appointment.
• Wear comfortable clothes and please do not place hair in ponytails.

Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is a behavior management technique that uses medications to help children cope with fear and anxiety so they may be more cooperative during dental treatment. Conscious sedation is a good option for children who have a level of anxiety that prevents cooperation or for children who are too young to cooperate for dental care. Conscious sedation may also be useful for some children with special needs.

There are a variety of different medications which can be utilized for conscious sedation. We will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment needs. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific medications we plan to administer to your child.

At Rye Pediatric Dentistry, the doctors are well trained in use of medications for conscious sedation, and have even instructed other dentists on performing conscious sedation procedures. Our doctors hold all appropriate licenses required for conscious sedation and all procedures are performed in accordance with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Please remember that all requirements at Rye Pediatric Dentistry exist for the safety of your child. In addition to the information provided on this website, further information will be provided to parents/guardians in the office regarding conscious sedation.

Prior to your appointment for conscious sedation

• For safety reasons, some children may need a medical clearance from their pediatrician. Please notify the office of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. If your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold the morning of the appointment, please contact the office and make arrangements to see your pediatrician.
• Notify the doctor of any drugs that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions the child experienced in the past.
• Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately before arriving to the office.
• Your child should not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before the sedation appointment. This is very important as medications may cause nausea. Nausea may cause children to vomit which may interfere with breathing.
• The child’s parent or legal guardian must not leave the office and must remain in the waiting room throughout the procedure.

After the sedation appointment

• As the medication wears off, your child may be drowsy and will need to be watched closely by you. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm. Some children may fall when left to walk alone, so please monitor your child closely.
• If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. This keeps the airway open. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea, such as water, Gatorade, Pediatlyte, Cranberry Juice, etc. The first meal should be light, low in fat content, and easily digestible.
• If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
• Some children may bite or chew their lips, cheeks, tongue, and rub their face due to the numbing effect of local anesthetic. Again, please monitor your child closely to prevent the risk of these scenarios from occurring.