Pediatric SedationIn Gilbert
Our goal is for your child to have positive experiences at the dentist. If our kid-friendly tricks are not enough, sedation is a great option for more involved treatment needs. With our board-certified pediatric dentist and board-certified anesthesiologist, we can help you decide which option is best for your child.
Why Should I Choose Pediatric Sedation For My Child?
Pediatric sedation is a good option to consider for your child’s dental appointments because it can make a big difference in how they view the dentist. It helps keep them calm and relaxed, especially if they struggle to sit still or get nervous. This way, the dentist can do their work safely, and your child won’t feel scared or uncomfortable. This allows them to maintain a positive relationship with their dentist and to not be scared of future visits. Just have a talk with your dentist to see if it's the right fit for your child’s needs.
Laughing Gas for Little Smiles
The most mild form of sedation, nitrous, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment. They will receive pure oxygen at the end of treatment to ensure all nitrous and its affects have fully worn off.
IV Sedation Available
IV sedation is delivered by our board-certified general anesthesiologist directly to the bloodstream, putting your child into a state of deep relaxation. Ideal for those with severe anxiety or other special needs, little patients who receive IV sedation may fall asleep during treatment, but they can be easily woken to respond to commands.
General Anesthesia
For patients undergoing invasive procedures, we proudly offer general anesthesia with our board-certified anesthesiologist. After breathing the sedation through a ventilator, you're child will become completely unconscious — they will not feel anything or remember anything about the procedure.
Complimentary Sedation consults
We know that visiting the dentist can feel scary for little ones. That's why we offer complimentary sedation consultations designed especially for children. During these kid-friendly visits, your child can explore our office, meet our friendly team, and learn about gentle sedation options that can make their dental experience calm and comfortable.
Healthcare Financing Options
Membership Plans Available
Insurance-Friendly Office
The Benefits of Pediatric Sedation
Reducing Fear and Dental Anxiety
Visiting the dentist can be intimidating for children, especially for procedures like fillings. Sedation allows your child to feel calm and relaxed, ensuring a more comfortable experience during their dental appointment.
Minimizing Pain and Discomfort
When used with local anesthetics, sedation is highly effective in minimizing any potential pain and discomfort during dental treatments. This not only makes the process smoother for your child but also gives you peace of mind knowing they are comfortable.
Addressing Gag Reflex and Needle Phobia
Certain types of sedation can significantly reduce your child’s gag reflex. This is particularly beneficial for dental work on the back teeth. Sedation also helps alleviate the common fear of numbing needles.
The Pediatric Sedation Treatment Process
Initial Consultation & Approval
Before considering sedation for your child, your child’s pediatric dentist will evaluate their health history, current medications, supplements, and other relevant health information. If your child is a good candidate, you will be informed about the available sedation options and which one will best suit their needs.
Preparation & Sedation
Your child's pediatric dentist will let you know if there’s anything you need to prepare before your child’s appointment. On the day of the visit, your child will receive sedation in our office, helping them stay calm and comfortable during their treatment.
Sedation Aftercare
Your child’s recovery process depends on the type of sedation used. They may recover within just a few minutes or require some special aftercare and monitoring after their appointment. Your child's pediatric dentist will give you all the details you need to care for your child after their treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
Sedation in dentistry primarily serves to alleviate dental anxiety, which helps children remain calm and cooperative during their dental procedures. Many children experience fear or nervousness about dental visits, and sedation can significantly ease these feelings. It's also beneficial for managing discomfort during more involved procedures like tooth extractions, and it helps children who have difficulty staying still for extended periods during treatments.
Pediatric sedation is generally appropriate for children who are in good health and do not have any medical conditions or medications that could negatively interact with the sedation. It's best to consult with us for a personalized assessment. During a consultation, we can discuss your child's specific needs and address any concerns to determine the best option.
Every sedation option feels different. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) typically makes children feel relaxed and slightly euphoric. They’ll be fully conscious but won’t experience discomfort.
Oral conscious sedation or IV sedation often results in a drowsy, sleepy state. Children might fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure but can still respond to instructions.
General anesthesia provides the deepest sedation. Your child will be completely unconscious and unable to feel or remember the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is safe for children of all ages, including toddlers when administered correctly. We ensure safety by conducting a thorough health history assessment and choosing the appropriate sedation method for each child. You’ll be fully informed about the chosen sedation technique, its effects, and aftercare requirements. All sedation procedures are carried out by qualified professionals on our team. At every step of the process, we prioritize your child's safety and comfort.