Young child wearing pink play glasses in dental office chair during visit.

Sedation Dentistry for Kids

Benefits of Sedation

The most obvious reason for choosing sedation dentistry is anxiety. Many children and adults, suffer from dental phobias that can be overwhelming. This is especially likely with children who have had a negative dental experience, which is why we take great care to avoid frightening or intimidating our young patients. However, sometimes children experience anxiety simply because they are too young to fully understand the situation. Whatever the reason, sedation can be a great help.

Sedation may also be used for a particularly lengthy or complex procedure. Even adults sometimes have trouble sitting still for extended periods. With children, it can be even more challenging. Sedation can help time seem to pass more quickly, and make apprehension fade away.

Sedation Options

We offer several types of dental sedation:
  • Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a mild inhaled sedative. It is administered as “flavored air” and helps the child relax.
  • Oral sedation is a prescription medication that makes the child relaxed and drowsy. It is helpful for very young children and those with anxiety.
  • General anesthesia is the strongest level of sedation and allows the child to sleep soundly through the procedure. This is the same type of sedation that would be used for a surgery such as removing tonsils. We offer general anesthesia here in our office or at a surgical center.

What You Need to Know About Sedation

We’re Here for Your Child’s First Visit—or Next Emergency