Sedation Options
Capital Pediatric Dentistry follows and actually exceeds the protocol and criteria mandated by the Dental Board of California for safe performance of moderate sedation in the dental office.
Please inform us of any change to your child’s health and/or medical condition.
Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child, as they may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.
Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment
IV Sedation
During our sedations we have a licensed registered nurse present with pediatric-specific emergency department training to assist in pre, intra and post-operative monitoring and management of our patients. In addition, our typical sedation protocol is specifically designed with the pediatric patient in mind and does not include the use of narcotics, propofol or other medications commonly associated with respiratory depression.
Exceeding Standards
Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. All of our sedation patients are continuously monitored via EKG, capnography and pulse oximetry. End tidal carbon dioxide level, blood oxygen concentration, heart rate, and periodic blood pressure measurements are recorded by our nursing staff throughout the procedure. In addition, airway patency (i.e. breathing) is continuously monitored during the procedure via a precordial stethoscope. Our office has been specifically built to safely provide IV sedation to children including a separate recovery room for post-operative care and an emergency generator in case of power outage.
Dr. Crippen is certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and maintains a moderate sedation permit issued by the Dental Board of California with two Pediatric Endorsements (under 13 and under 7 years of age). In addition, Dr. Crippen, our registered nurses and all clinical staff are certified annually in Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
The following is a list of expected side effects after sedation:
– Irritability and/or crying. This is common. Please console your child as this irritability will pass.
– Sleeping more than normal for the remainder of the day. Please be sure to keep him/her on their side while sleeping. You or a responsible adult should stay with your child while he or she is sleeping.
– Your child may experience double vision and/or may lack coordination. Do not allow your child to perform any activities which require coordination.
– Your child may be nauseous and/or may vomit. Keep your child hydrated with plenty of CLEAR liquids for the remainder of the day.
The following is a list of expected side effects after dental treatment:
– Irritated, inflamed, swollen and/or discolored gum tissue (white/red/dark brown).
– Slight bleeding around fillings, crowns, extraction sites and/or space maintainers.
– Pain/discomfort around fillings, crowns, extraction sites and/or space maintainers.
– Numb lips, cheeks and/or tongue. *Please monitor your child to prevent him/her from biting themselves while numb (~2 hours after the procedure)*
The following will help to relieve above side effects:
– Resume normal brushing and flossing the day following the procedure. Symptoms should resolve within 1 week.
– Give your child over-the-counter pain medications as needed for 24-48 hours. You may alternate Children’s Tylenol (every 4 hours) with Children’s Motrin (every 6 hours). Under no circumstances should you exceed the maximum recommended dose of either medication.
– Your child may eat a soft meal prepared in small amounts for easy swallowing when he/she is hungry (e.g. soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Crippen at (916) 476-3972
Dad & Lincoln from Lodi
Why We Chose Dr. Crippen
Our son Lincoln had been complaining about a tooth ache on and off for months. Our current dentist couldn’t identify a problem, but we knew their had to be something wrong. Capital Pediatric popped up in a Google search and we are so lucky we made an appointment. Dr. Crippen found that Lincoln needed 2 teeth removed, along with a root canal. After just one procedure, Dr.Crippen completed the work, and Lincoln didn’t have anymore tooth pain! Here’s highlights from our experience:
- As a Dad, I was hesitant at first to sedate Lincoln, but seeing Dr.Crippen's practice and the explanation of the safety measures and type of sedation, I felt VERY comfortable.
- Lincoln woke up after the procedure and didn't even know what happened. He was a little sore, but for the amount of work done, it was an amazing recovery!
- We live in Lodi, and there are plenty of dentists closer to us than Dr. Crippen, but we are HAPPY to make the drive to Sacramento.
Learn About Sedation Dental Visits
Fill Out New Patient Forms
There is a bit of paperwork to fill out when you’re a new patient. For your convenience, please call us at (916) 476-3972 to request our forms be sent to you.