Sedation Dentistry
For a child who feels anxious in the chair, oral sedation is a gentle medicine by mouth that helps them relax and stay calm, while awake and safely monitored, so treatment feels easy and unhurried.
Oral sedation is a prescribed medicine your child takes by mouth a little before the appointment. It helps them feel calm and drowsy while staying awake and able to respond, so treatment feels easy and unhurried.
It's a step up from laughing gas and a lighter option than general anesthesia, a comfortable middle ground for many nervous kids.
A prescribed dose taken a little before the visit, no needles to start.
Your child feels calm and drowsy while staying able to respond.
Tailored to your child's age and weight, with close monitoring throughout.
Yes, when it's carefully dosed and monitored. We review your child's full health history beforehand, tailor the medication to their age and weight, and watch them closely throughout the visit. We'll always recommend the lightest sedation that will do the job.
Always the lightest that works
If a gentle pace and laughing gas are enough for your child, that's what we'll use. Oral sedation is only when it genuinely helps.
A little planning makes the day smooth and easy. Here's what to do.
We'll tell you exactly when your child should stop eating and drinking beforehand.
Dress them in soft, comfy clothing so they can relax.
Your child will be drowsy afterward, so arrange an easy trip back.
Have someone stay with and watch your child for the rest of the day.
Oral sedation can be a great fit for children who feel very nervous, have a strong gag reflex, have trouble sitting still, or need several treatments completed in one visit. It's also helpful for many children with special healthcare needs. We recommend it when it genuinely makes care easier, never as a default.
We'll always recommend the lightest, safest option that lets your child get the care they need, comfortably.
Usually not fully asleep. Most children become very relaxed and drowsy but stay awake and able to respond. Some doze lightly during treatment.
The relaxed, drowsy feeling can last a few hours after the visit, so plan a quiet rest of the day. We'll go over what to expect during recovery.
We'll give you specific eating and drinking instructions to follow before the appointment for your child's safety. Please follow them closely.
Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.