We may recommend conscious sedation for children who are moderately apprehensive, at a young age, or have special needs. Conscious sedation, done in conjunction with nitrous oxide, further reduces your child’s anxiety and discomfort so that they can remain calm. During treatment, your child may become drowsy and fall asleep, but most kids remain awake. For conscious sedation, various oral medications are used. A doctor will recommend the best option based on your child’s health history. The conscious sedation medications are administered orally in our office. The medications take about 30 minutes to take effect during which time your child will be with you in a designated area of our waiting room.