Pediatric Dental Sedation

Please call our office if you have questions regarding dental treatment under sedation.

Pediatric dental sedation uses medication to help a child relax during dental procedures, making the experience safer and less stressful. Common types include inhaling laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which has a quick onset and fades fast, and oral sedation, where medication is given as a drink before the appointment. For more anxiety or longer procedures, IV sedation is available, and general anesthesia is reserved for extensive surgery.

Types of Sedation

• Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): A mild, safe, and common form of sedation where a child breathes in a gas through a mask, providing a calming effect with quick relief.
• Oral Sedation: A sedative is given as a drink or a pill about an hour before the procedure. The child remains conscious but relaxed and drowsy.
• IV Sedation: Intravenous (IV) sedation is used for more anxious children or longer procedures. The child is more relaxed, often with little to no memory of the visit.
• General Anesthesia: Used only in specific cases, such as extensive surgery, for children who are completely unconscious.

How it works

• Sedatives reduce anxiety and discomfort while minimizing movement, helping ensure the safety and success of the dental work.
• Dr. Sun determines the appropriate method based on the child's health, the procedure's length, and their comfort level.
• For most types of sedation, the child remains awake or semi-conscious and can respond to the dental team.
• Parents are often allowed to stay with the child in the pre-procedure area.

When it is recommended

• Very young children who have difficulty keeping still during precise work.
• Children with high levels of anxiety or fear of the dentist.
• Children with special needs who may require more control and stability during a procedure.