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Sedation Dentistry for kids

At Westpark Pediatric Dentistry, we go above and beyond to ensure children have positive dental experiences because we love to see them smile, but also because we want them to continue getting the care they need in adulthood. Sedation can help us achieve this goal.

Ask us your questions about sedation dentistry!

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We’d love to address your concerns and help you relax.

Our experience has shown us parents can be even more anxious than their children when it comes to dentistry. We understand.

Nitrous Oxide

Encouraging deep breathing during visits.

Many adults are familiar with nitrous oxide already because it’s helped them take the edge off during their own visits, but did you know it’s safe for children, too? If they can comfortably wear the “space mask” and inhale, they can experience its calming effects.

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is the lightest form of sedation available. It’s combined with oxygen, which is beneficial for the body and its healing processes, too. Nitrous oxide is both quick to kick in and quick to leave the body, so there should be no lingering effects.

Some children do experience minor nausea or constipation after nitrous oxide use.
Having your child eat a light snack before treatment can help avoid these effects.
Nitrous oxide is a conscious form of sedation that allows your child to respond.
Although it’s primarily for anxiety, nitrous oxide also has analgesic (pain relieving) effects.

Oral Sedation

Does your child need more help relaxing?

For the moderate form of sedation between nitrous oxide and IV sedation, we can prescribe an oral sedative. You may feel apprehensive about medication being prescribed for your child, but it will be done only after a thorough consultation to help us determine which one will safely suit your child.

After selecting the sedative that will be right for your child and the treatment they need, we’ll advise that it’s given about an hour before their appointment. This will allow them to relax in the chair when you arrive, and the appointment will be over before they know it!

Your child will remain conscious during the procedure but may respond more slowly.
Oral sedation usually makes the details of the appointment fuzzy.
The effects of oral sedation may linger for a few hours after the procedure.
We recommend a relaxed day at home following your child’s appointment.

Intravenous Sedation

Deep sedation can handle complexity.

If your child’s treatment plan is extensive, if they have special physical, developmental, or medical conditions that make getting the care they need more complex, or if they are deeply anxious or afraid, we may recommend the deepest form of sedation available: intravenous (IV) sedation.

If your child’s care plan includes IV sedation, we can perform treatment in our practice or at Texas Children’s Hospital. While your child may fall asleep, IV sedation will not make them unconscious. Their breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout their procedure.

Your child can bring a blankie or comfort objects to their appointment.
Children may be groggy & emotional for a short while after their appointment.
We consider medical histories, conditions, & medications before recommending IV sedation.
Dr. Mali can provide light, moderate, & deep sedation, & topical, local, & general anesthesia.

Find out how relaxing dental care can be!