Sedation Dentistry
Safe Sedation Options for Your Child’s Dental Care
At Children’s Dental Health, we understand that every child is unique. Some children feel comfortable to be in the dental chair, while others may need a little extra help to feel calm and safe. That’s why we offer different sedation treatments to match your child’s needs and the dental work they require. Our goal is simple: provide excellent dental care while keeping your child comfortable and safe throughout their visit.
Our Pediatric Dental Sedation Treatments
Topical and Local Anesthesia
For children who feel comfortable at the dentist and need routine care, we use numbing gel and a local anesthetic injection to prevent pain during treatment and to eliminate any sharp or painful sensations. This is our most common approach for fillings and simple procedures. Your child stays fully awake and aware during their appointment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, helps “take the edge off” for children with mild nervousness. Your child breathes in a safe mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a small mask. This option reduces anxiety and helps children relax, but they remain awake and can respond to our team. Laughing gas is available at most of our office locations and wears off quickly after treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For children with higher anxiety or those needing more extensive dental work, we offer oral conscious sedation at select locations. Your child takes a liquid or pill medication before their appointment that makes them drowsy and more relaxed. We often combine this with laughing gas for added comfort. Your child stays in a light sleep but can still be awakened and will breathe on their own throughout the procedure.
General Anesthesia in Surgery Centers
When children need significant dental treatment, are very young, or experience extreme dental anxiety, general anesthesia provides the safest and most comfortable option. Performed in a hospital-like setting under the supervision of board-certified anesthesiologists, pediatric dentists, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, your child sleeps peacefully while we complete all necessary dental work in one visit. We carefully monitor your child’s breathing and vital signs throughout the entire procedure.
General anesthesia can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in young patients so that our patients are no longer nervous about going to the dentist for a regular cleaning. It also improves patient safety, as it’s important for patients to sit very still during dental procedures in order for dentists to use instruments and mechanical equipment safely. If children are unable to remain still and calm, then this may be the best option. The safety of children is always our priority.
Dental Surgery for Children
Gentle, safe care for kids requiring dental surgery
- AAAHC accredited pediatric dental surgery centers
- Board-certified anesthesiologists and pediatric dentists
- Focus on safety, comfort, and compassionate dental care
Gentle, Safe Care for Kids Requiring Dental Surgery
Sometimes children need more than routine dental care. Our pediatric specialists provide dental surgery in a safe, hospital-like environment designed to keep kids comfortable.
- Experienced pediatric dental surgeons
- Flexible scheduling to reduce wait times for treatment
- Specialized care for children with medical or behavioral needs
Where do you treat patients for sleep dentistry?
At Children’s Dental Health, sleep dentistry is performed at one of four dental surgery centers, in partnership with our sister company, Children’s Dental Surgery. Our surgery centers offer a hospital-like setting for doctors to perform dental procedures in a safe, controlled environment, accredited by the AAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care). These centers are also staffed by clinical professionals who have deep expertise in sleep dentistry, such as board-certified anesthesiologists, pediatric dentists, registered nurses, and LPNs.
Sleep dentistry can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in young patients so that our patients are no longer nervous about going to the dentist. It can also improve safety, as it’s important for patients to sit very still during dental procedures in order for dentists to use instruments and mechanical equipment safely. If children are unable to remain still and calm, then sleep dentistry may be the best option. The safety of children is always our priority—our anesthesiologists are state- and board-certified. We also have RNs present in the room at all times while patients are in surgery.
Does my child need to have dental surgery?
There are a number of factors that help our dentists determine if a child would benefit from being treated at a surgery center, including age, behavior, and the amount of work required. The three main types of patients are:
- Young children who need significant dental work. For example, if a child is unable to sit still to have x-rays taken in the office, they will struggle to remain relaxed and cooperative for a dental procedure that can take 30 minutes or more. A child who is unable to remain still will put themselves at risk for accidental injury during procedures.
- Children who are afraid and experience anxiety. These patients will also struggle to sit in a dental chair, and their fear of the dentist will likely increase if procedures are performed while they are awake.
- Patients who are physically and/or mentally handicapped. These children may also be unable to remain still or have anxiety.
To learn more about our dental surgery centers, visit
What Is Pediatric Dental Surgery?
Pediatric dental surgery, often called “sleep dentistry”, involves performing dental procedures while a child is under general anesthesia. This allows our team to complete necessary treatment in a controlled, stress-free environment, especially for children who:
- Need extensive dental work
- Struggle to remain still during long procedures
- Experience severe dental anxiety
- Have special healthcare needs
Insurance & Financing for Dental Surgeries
- Most major dental insurance plans are accepted
- Pre-authorization assistance and benefit verification provided
Flexible monthly payment options available - HSA/FSA eligible—itemized receipts for reimbursement
What to Expect: Step-by-Step Pediatric Dental Surgery Journey
1. Initial Evaluation
Pediatric dentist examines your child’s needs and recommends surgery if appropriate.
2. Pre-Surgery Consultation
Families meet with our team to review the procedure, anesthesia plan, and safety protocols.
3. Day of Surgery
At our affiliated surgery center, your child is cared for by pediatric dentists, anesthesiologists, and nurses.
4. Procedure
Dental treatment is performed while your child rests comfortably under anesthesia.
5. Recovery
After surgery, your child wakes in a recovery area with nurses monitoring comfort and stability.
6. Discharge & Aftercare
Families receive clear instructions for home care, diet, and follow-up.
7. Follow-Up Visits
Post-surgery check-ins ensure proper healing and long-term oral health.
Does My Child Need to Be Seen at a Surgery Center?
There are a number of factors that help our dentists determine if a child would benefit from being treated at a surgery center, including age, behavior, and the amount of work required. The three main types of patients are:
- Young children who need significant dental work. For example, if a child is unable to sit still to have x-rays taken in the office, they will struggle to remain relaxed and cooperative for a dental procedure that can take 30 minutes or more. A child who is unable to remain still will put themselves at risk for accidental injury during procedures.
- Children who are afraid and experience anxiety. These patients will also struggle to sit in a dental chair, and their fear of the dentist will likely increase if procedures are performed while they are awake.
- Children with special health care needs, who may have difficulty remaining still or experience heightened anxiety.
Treatment in our surgery centers is not recommended for all patients, but when necessary, it can ensure patients obtain the dental and restorative services they require in a calm, comfortable, and safe environment.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Child
Our experienced team uses positive, child-friendly language during all appointments and will help you choose the best sedation option based on your child’s age, anxiety level, and the dental treatment they need. Additionally, we encourage parents to avoid words like “needle,” “shot,” “drill,” or “hurt” when talking about dental visits, and instead let our trained staff introduce each step using gentle, age-appropriate terms. We follow strict safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and monitor every child closely during their visit.
FAQs About Pediatric Dental Surgery
Surgery is recommended only when necessary, for example, if extensive treatment is required or if your child cannot safely complete long procedures while awake.
Yes. Our centers are accredited and staffed by board-certified anesthesiologists and pediatric specialists who follow hospital-grade safety protocols.
Fillings, crowns, extractions, and other restorative treatments may be completed in one visit while your child is asleep.
Most children are alert within 30–60 minutes after surgery. Full recovery from anesthesia typically occurs the same day.
Many dental and medical insurance plans cover part or all of pediatric dental surgery. Our team will verify your benefits in advance.
Compassionate Care, Every Step of the Way
We understand that the idea of dental surgery can feel overwhelming for parents. Our team is here to answer questions, ease worries, and provide safe, high-quality care.