At Kids Dental Smiles, we understand that some dental procedures can seem a little scary for children. Whether your child needs a root canal, extraction, or another complex treatment, sedation dentistry can make the process smooth, comfortable, and stress-free. With safe and effective sedation options, your child can rest peacefully throughout the procedure and wake up with little to no memory of what happened — just a healthy smile!
Sedation dentistry can be especially helpful for children who:
Feel nervous or anxious about dental visits
Have trouble sitting still for long appointments
Have difficulty getting numb with regular anesthetics
Sedation dentistry uses carefully controlled medication to help children relax during dental treatment. It allows our team to complete needed care safely and efficiently — while your child remains calm, comfortable, and free from fear.
No memory of the procedure
A calm, dream-like experience with no awareness of time
Reduced sensitivity to sound, smell, or discomfort
A completely anxiety-free appointment
Sedation in pediatric dentistry is closely regulated and always administered with your child’s safety as the top priority. We offer three main levels of sedation, depending on your child’s needs and the type of treatment:
This is the lightest level, ideal for children with mild anxiety or longer treatment times. It’s typically given orally (as a liquid or pill) and helps your child feel relaxed but still awake and able to respond. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is another mild form of sedation that encourages calmness during the visit and wears off quickly after treatment.
Used for patients with higher anxiety or more complex procedures, moderate (or “conscious”) sedation allows your child to stay awake but deeply relaxed. Many children remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward.
For children needing extensive dental care or who experience severe anxiety, deep sedation may be recommended. Your child will drift between sleep and wakefulness and will likely have no memory of the procedure. Deep sedation is always administered and monitored by trained professionals to ensure maximum safety.
Inhalation (Nitrous Oxide)
Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a gentle and effective way to ease mild to moderate dental anxiety. It works quickly, and recovery happens within minutes — allowing your child to return to normal activities right away.
Oral Sedation
This method uses a prescribed medication taken about an hour before the appointment. It’s easy, needle-free, and helps your child feel calm and relaxed before even arriving at the office.
