Azari & Zahedi Dentistry treats pediatric patients in Jacksonville to help eliminate cavities, infections, or pain and restore healthy dentition. We usually manage the situation effectively by behavior guidance techniques and different tricks hidden in our sleeves. Our goal is to nurture a positive dental attitude while performing quality oral health care.

Azari & Zahedi Dentistry discuss appropriate sedation methods tailored to your child's emotions, fear, and temperament. We often start with the least complicated option and guide you through pre and post-treatment steps and instructions.

This is the most common form of antianxiety agent we use with a reliable success rate.

The calming inhalant known as laughing gas is for patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their anxieties so that they can relax and undergo treatment comfortably and safely. The gas is administered by placing a small hood over the patient's nose. As the gas takes effect, the patient becomes relaxed but is still awake and can communicate. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wear off almost immediately.

Occasionally nausea and vomiting might happen with this type of sedation. We recommend an empty stomach or only a light meal be consumed two hours before administering nitrous oxide to minimize the chance.

More anxious pediatric patients may need an oral medication that is stronger than nitrous oxide. With oral sedation, the patient may be sleepy but can be aroused and respond to simple commands.

As a parent, you may want to know how safe is oral sedation?
It is very safe if done according to the guideline set forth and by a qualified pediatric dentist.

All of our dental assistants are certified in CPR. When indicated, they will constantly monitor your child with the required monitoring equipment to ensure their safety. In addition, Dr. Zahedi is certified in CPR and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). She has undergone extensive specialty training in conscious oral sedation during her 2-year pediatric dental residency. She maintains an active Conscious Sedation License, as issued by the Florida State Board of Dentistry. As an added safety measure, we use a sedative drug with a reversal agent drug if needed.

What drug is used for pediatric dental sedation?
The most common drug used is Midazolam, which has a short duration of action and is better known by the trade name Versed. We give this medicine in the office, in the form of sweetened syrup, with rapid onset of 15-20 minutes. For a longer procedure, we combine this agent with Nitrus Oxide. The advantage of Versed is that usually causes a retro-amnesia (they usually do not remember the procedure) thus maintaining a positive experience.

Sometimes we recommend that your child be put to sleep during a dental procedure for a safe and predictable outcome. This is achieved through IV sedation by our qualified pediatric anesthesiologist. We have been offering this service for many years with excellent safety records and high parent satisfaction (above video). Dr. Brooke will discuss the IV sedation technique in detail and how it can benefit your child on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Us if you need more information or have questions in this regard.

• Share your child's complete medical history and current list of medications to prevent drug interactions and lower the risk of complications.
• Follow the dietary restriction before the procedure and bringing your child an empty stomach is a must key to successful sedation.
• Dress your child comfortably and bring a change of clothing.
• Plan to stay at home with your child the rest of the day; they will be able to go back to their normal daily routine the following day.