Sedation for Pediatric Dental Patients

Personalized comfort for anxious and special needs patients.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Proactive care to stop dental issues in their tracks.

A little girl smiling while playing inside a toy train
A little girl smiling while playing inside a toy train

Sedation dentistry can range from nitrous oxide for calming a patient to general anesthetics for putting patients to sleep. 

Benefits include pain relief, anxiety relief, and the ability for dentists to work faster and more effectively with fewer interruptions.

Sedation dentistry is most helpful for:

  • Infants

  • Children who require major treatment or have a low pain tolerance

  • Patients with strong gag reflexes

  • Dental phobia or very anxious children

  • Children who have had traumatic dental experiences (sound and smell aversion)

  • Children who are medically compromised or have special needs

Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association…Opens a new window to the ADA website… and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry…Opens a new window to the website… as an effective way to make patients comfortable during their dental visits. 

Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, our pediatric dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and explain pre and post-sedation instructions.

Our Sedation Options

Our team has the training and expertise to safely administer our relaxation services.

: A little boy lying in a dental chair during a sedation procedure with doctor Tracy
General Anesthesia
: A little boy lying in a dental chair during a sedation procedure with doctor Tracy
General Anesthesia
Deep sedation or outpatient general anesthesia is sometimes necessary for children who cannot, by age, maturity level, or medical conditions, cooperate during dental treatment.

General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed or ear tubes repaired, and is performed in a hospital setting only.

While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of general anesthesia have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Dr. Wilkerson and our staff schedule a consultation with your family before determining the best type of sedation dentistry option.

Watch our video

: A boy lying in a dental chair during a dental procedure
Nitrous
: A boy lying in a dental chair during a dental procedure
Nitrous

Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. “Laughing gas” is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this sedation dentistry technique as a very safe and effective method for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is administered through a breathing mask, placed over the child’s nose and has a calming effect when breathed appropriately.

The gas is mild, easily taken in with normal breathing, and is quickly eliminated from the body. Because it’s a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during the visit, and the effects wear off almost immediately.

Hear from the Parents
‘‘Everyone is always pleasant. Shasta is a ray of sunshine and Dr. Wilkerson does a wonderful job.’’

Regina T.

‘‘My son Grayson is a patient, and my daughter will be when her teeth come in. We’ve been taking my son for preventative care visits since he was 11 months old and have had a great experience at every single appointment. Awesome facility, awesome staff, and awesome dentist!’’

Morgan W.

‘‘Couldn’t be happier with staff, dentist , pretreatment estimates and treatment plan that avoids unnecessary tooth extractions! Cost to patient is lower than another local children’s dentist even with Children’s Dentistry not being in network with our insurance. Thank you!’’

Kaitlin M.

‘‘Children's Dentistry is the best for our girls. They both get comfortable with the staff, and the staff take their time yet are quick and thorough! My girls became so comfortable they didn't need mom to help them for the most part! Thanks for being understanding, patient, and kind! Best dental office there is!’’

Jasmine J.

‘‘I was nervous taking my 18 month old toddler to the dentist for the first time because I didn't think he would cooperate, but the doctor and staff were so friendly and kind that he held still and let them check out his teeth. I was very pleased I chose this dentist to take him to and will continue to go here as he gets older.’’

Kara W.

‘‘Children’s Dentistry is top notch. Dr Wilkerson and her staff are always friendly. I’ve been taking my son here for 5 years and cannot say enough good things about them. We are lucky to have such a great dentist!’’

Summer M.

‘‘I feel that Children's Dentistry does an exceptionally job and I've never had to wait more more 15 minutes. They are being super safe and following the Covid-19 guidelines, which I can personally say, not all dentists are. Great job guys!’’

Jessica A.

‘‘They are so good with my son, they talk him through everything and remember us every time we go. They are so friendly and helpful. I wouldn’t take him anywhere else.’’

McKayla R.

‘‘Everyone was so nice to Avery..she wants to come back! She loved the gift she found on her chair. Her name is Baby Teddy. And Shasta gave her stickers so they are best friends now! Thanks so much for making the appointment so much fun for her. They complimented Avery for being such a big girl and following directions. She was on cloud nine!’’

Sheila S.

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