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Are Deep Sedation and Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) the same?

No, the Sedation Station provides care under general anesthesia in which your child will be completely asleep. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is administered in our regular clinical settings while the child is awake and is a much lighter form of sedation that only alleviates anxiety.

Can my child have anything to eat or drink before surgery?

No. Deep sedation for dental work has the same stipulations for avoiding food and drink as a regular surgery. Patients may not eat or drink the day of their appointment (no food or drink after midnight the evening prior).  Any child that has consumed ANY food or drink past this point will NOT be sedated that day.

My child previously had a sedation appointment in Park Hills, can we still go there?

We no longer offer deep sedation in our Park Hills office.  Sedation is now only performed in Sedation Station - the upper level of our Festus facility. Your child may return to Park Hills for regular checkups, exams, cleanings, and future treatment appointments as applicable.

How long does it take for the insurance company to approve the procedure?

We safely schedule appointments for sedation a month away from the referral date. This gives us time to send in a prior authorization to get approval for sedation and the patient time to see their pediatrician for a physical. We are happy to accommodate patients for sooner openings when they become available.  Urgent cases are prioritized and typically scheduled within 7 days (given that you complete physical requirements ASAP).

Why does my child need a physical?

The physical lets our doctors know that your child's physician, the one who knows their body best, has cleared them for general anesthesia.  Dental sedation is just as serious as a medical surgery and we want to take every precaution to ensure your child's safety.  Additional copies of the physical can be printed from our website or picked up at either of our offices.

Will they get all of their treatment completed while they're asleep?
Yes!  Our doctors complete entire treatment plans during sedation visits. Each of our doctors performs a comprehensive examination with new x-rays while the child is asleep.  If any additional treatment is indicated, they will inform you before proceeding.  Treatment plan length and complexity may vary from child to child, so please plan on being in our facility for an extended period of time.

How will my child feel after the appointment?
Every child reacts differently to general anesthesia.  They will feel a little drowsy after their appointment and may fall asleep on the ride home.  As with all dental treatment, they may feel a little discomfort or soreness depending on how extensive the treatment plan is.  Children can generally resume normal activities on the same day and return to school the next day.

Sedation station®

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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