Sedation Dentistry for Children

Every child responds to dental treatment differently. Some children are comfortable with routine care, while others may feel anxious, have difficulty sitting still or need more extensive treatment that can be challenging to complete comfortably during a traditional appointment.

At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we offer several sedation options so care can be tailored to your child’s individual needs. Depending on their age, medical history, comfort level and the treatment being completed, our pediatric dentists may recommend nitrous oxide, oral sedation or general anesthesia.

Our goal is never simply to “get through” an appointment. We want your child to receive the care they need in an environment where their comfort, safety and long-term relationship with dentistry remain priorities.

Sedation Options for Children

There is no single sedation option that is right for every child. Our team will evaluate your child’s needs and discuss the appropriate approach with you before treatment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas or “happy air,” is a mild form of sedation that can help children feel more relaxed during dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small nasal mask while your child remains awake. It can be a helpful option for children experiencing mild dental anxiety or for procedures where a little extra help relaxing can make treatment more comfortable.

Once treatment is finished, your child breathes 100% oxygen to help clear the nitrous oxide from their system.

Oral Sedation

For children who need more support than nitrous oxide alone can provide, oral sedation may be recommended.

Oral sedation uses carefully selected medication to help your child become calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as your child’s age, weight, medical history, anxiety level and the dental care being completed.

Our pediatric dental team will review the process with you beforehand, including any eating and drinking restrictions, medications or medical information we need to know, and what you can expect before and after your child’s appointment.

General Anesthesia

Some children benefit from being completely asleep while their dental treatment is completed. General anesthesia may be considered for children who require extensive dental treatment, experience significant dental anxiety or cannot comfortably or safely complete the necessary care while awake.

During general anesthesia, your child’s dental treatment can be completed while they remain asleep under the care of an anesthesia professional.

Pediatric Dental Specialists offers in-office general anesthesia, allowing appropriate cases to receive comprehensive dental treatment in a familiar dental environment.

For certain cases, our pediatric dentists can also accompany patients to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where the necessary dental treatment can be completed in a hospital setting.

Whether treatment is best completed in our office or at Children’s Mercy depends on the individual child and their treatment and medical needs. Our team will discuss these options with you and help determine the appropriate setting for your child.

Which Sedation Option Is Right for My Child?

The level of sedation recommended depends on the child rather than simply the procedure being performed.

Our pediatric dentists consider factors including:

– Your child’s age and developmental needs

– Medical history and current medications

– Level of dental anxiety

– Ability to comfortably cooperate with treatment

– Type and amount of dental treatment required

– Previous dental experiences

– Overall safety and comfort

For some children, nitrous oxide provides all the support they need. Others may benefit from oral sedation, while children requiring more extensive care may be better suited for general anesthesia.

We’ll explain the available options, answer your questions and make a recommendation based on your child’s individual situation.

Preparing for Your Child’s Sedation Appointment

Instructions vary depending on the type of sedation your child will receive. Our team will provide specific directions before the appointment so you know exactly how to prepare.

This may include instructions about eating and drinking, current medications and what to expect on the day of treatment. It is important that we have an accurate medical history and know about any medications your child is currently taking.

Please follow the instructions provided by our team carefully. If anything about your child’s health changes before the appointment, let us know.

What Happens After Sedation?

Recovery depends on the type of sedation used.

Children receiving nitrous oxide generally recover quickly after breathing oxygen at the end of their appointment. Children receiving oral sedation or general anesthesia may remain sleepy or groggy for a period of time afterward.

Before you leave, our team will provide instructions specific to your child’s treatment and sedation. These may include recommendations for rest, eating and drinking, activity and what to watch for during recovery.

A Comfortable Approach to Pediatric Dental Care

Dental treatment shouldn’t have to become a frightening experience for a child simply because they are anxious, young or require extensive care.

Having multiple sedation options allows our pediatric dental team to meet children where they are. From mild relaxation with nitrous oxide to oral sedation and comprehensive treatment under general anesthesia, we can recommend an approach based on what will help your child receive the care they need safely and comfortably.

If you’re concerned about how your child will handle dental treatment, talk with our team. We can discuss their needs, explain the sedation options available and help determine the right approach for their care.