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Sedation Dentistry

Welcome to The CrocDoc your pediatric dentist in El Paso, Texas.

We are located at 7878 Blvd E Suite 100, El Paso, TX 79915

In-office Conscious Sedation

Dr. Parco is a pediatric dentist who is also licensed to administer in-office conscious sedation. Sedations are usually performed early in the morning when the child has an empty stomach. At the Croc Doc, we realize different children have different temperaments. While some 4 year olds may do just fine having their teeth worked on while watching movies, others need some help with the use of specific sedation medications.

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Dr. Parco received his conscious sedation training at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry. His training for hospital based dentistry occurred at the Children’s Hospital at the University of Minnesota and at Hennipen County Medical Center in downtown Minneapolis. As one of a handful of Board Certified Pediatric Dentists in Southern New Mexico, Dr. Parco is proud to offer all surgical dental services through the Croc Doc.

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.

Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.

Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.

“Laughing Gas”

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre- and post-sedation instructions.

Hospital Based Care

Dr. Parco is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist who holds hospital privileges at multiple surgical centers in El Paso, TX. Currently, the El Paso Children’s Hospital is the primary facility for elective oral surgeries. Dr. Parco’s privilege allows him to treat all patients with dental phobia, major dental treatment, or developmental delays that require hospital based dental work under general anesthesia.

Call The CrocDoc: Dentistry Just For Kids, your local pediatric dentist, at 915.444.5121 to schedule an appointment today!

Our location: 7878 Gateway East Blvd Suite 100, El Paso, Texas 79915.