Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: What Parents Should Know

Nearly 20% of children experience dental anxiety that prevents necessary treatment. If your child struggles with fear, has special needs, or requires extensive dental work, sedation dentistry offers a safe, comfortable solution.

At Silver State Smiles, we specialize in pediatric sedation dentistry, ensuring your child receives the care they need without trauma or fear.

When Is Sedation Needed?

Your dentist may recommend sedation for children with:

• Severe dental anxiety or phobia
• Extensive dental work requiring long appointments
• Special needs (autism, ADHD, sensory disorders)
• Very young age with limited cooperation ability
• Previous traumatic dental experiences
• Strong gag reflexes

Types of Sedation

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

The mildest option. Your child inhales gas through a nose mask and feels relaxed within minutes. They stay awake and responsive. Effects wear off immediately after removal.

Best for: Mild anxiety and shorter procedures.

Oral Sedation

Your child drinks liquid medication that makes them very drowsy. They may sleep through the procedure with little memory afterward. Effects last several hours.

Best for: Moderate to severe anxiety and longer procedures.

IV Sedation

For complex cases only. Your child will be unconscious with no memory of the procedure. Administered by specially trained professionals.

Best for: Extensive work or severe special needs.

Is It Safe?

Yes, when performed by trained professionals. Silver State Smiles ensures safety through:

• Pre-sedation health assessment
• Precise dosing based on age and weight
• Continuous monitoring of vitals
• Trained staff and emergency protocols
• State-of-the-art equipment

Before the Procedure

Critical: Your child must fast before sedation:

• No solid food for 6-8 hours
• No clear liquids for 2-4 hours

Also:

• Inform us of all medications
• Report any recent illness
• Arrive early
• Bring a comfort item
• Stay calm and positive

Talking to Your Child

• Use simple, positive language: "Special medicine will help you feel very relaxed"
• Avoid scary words like "shot," "needle," "pain"
• Be honest but reassuring
• Your calm demeanor helps them stay calm

After the Procedure

Recovery times vary:

• Nitrous oxide: Minutes
• Oral sedation: Several hours
• IV sedation: Several hours with grogginess

At home:

• Supervise closely
• Allow rest
• Start with small sips of water
• Progress to soft foods
• Follow pain medication instructions

Call us immediately if you see:

• Excessive bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever over 101°F
• Extreme lethargy
• Severe pain
• Persistent vomiting

Why It Matters

Sedation dentistry prevents lifelong dental phobia by ensuring positive, pain-free experiences. It also allows complete treatment in fewer visits with better outcomes.

Why Choose Silver State Smiles

Silver State Smiles offers:

• Experienced pediatric sedation specialists
• Advanced monitoring equipment
• Child-friendly environment
• Comprehensive parent consultations
• Proven safety record
• Compassionate, expert care

Common Questions

Will my child feel pain? No. Sedation is combined with local anesthesia.

Can I stay with them? We'll discuss our policy during your consultation.

Does insurance cover it? Many plans cover medically necessary sedation. We'll help verify your coverage.

Next Steps

If your child needs dental work but struggles with anxiety or cooperation, sedation dentistry can help. Contact Silver State Smiles today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can make your child's dental experience safe, comfortable, and stress-free.