Sedation Dentistry for Children

At Descanso Smiles, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause anxiety for both children and adults. That’s why we offer safe and gentle sedation dentistry options to help our patients feel relaxed and comfortable—especially during more involved procedures.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps patients manage fear, anxiety, and discomfort during dental treatments. While many people think sedation causes sleep, most methods simply produce a calm, relaxed state—allowing the patient to stay awake and responsive, yet anxiety-free.

In pediatric care, sedation can be especially helpful for:

Children with dental anxiety
Young patients needing complex or lengthy treatment
Children with special health care needs

Our sedation options are safe, effective, and personalized based on your child’s age, health history, and level of anxiety.

✅ Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Alleviates fear and anxiety
Reduces or eliminates discomfort
Fewer appointments needed
No needles required (with oral sedation)
Helps patients tolerate sounds, smells, and sensations
Creates a more positive dental experience
Safe and well-monitored throughout the visit

Types of Sedation We Offer

We provide several sedation options, tailored to your child’s needs and the type of procedure being performed:

✨ Nitrous Oxide ("Laughing Gas")

Very Mild sedation delivered through a small nose mask
Helps children feel calm, giggly, or dreamy during treatment
Wears off completely and quickly with no lasting effects
Perfect for routine dental procedures
Safe and effective with minimal side effects

Oral Conscious Sedation

Medication taken by mouth before treatment
Produces a relaxed, sleepy state—though the child remains awake
Helps reduce memory of sounds, smells, and sensations
Ideal for children who fear needles or need longer treatment
Must be accompanied by a caregiver and cannot drive home

Common medications used include:

Valium® – Long-lasting, ideal for complex procedures
Versed® – Shortest-acting, good for brief visits
Vistaril - Antihistamine, synergic effect with combination with the above medications

IV Sedation

Moderate sedation delivered directly into the bloodstream
Fast-acting with a deeper level of relaxation
Often used for surgical procedures or patients with high anxiety
Requires a post-visit caregiver due to drowsiness afterward

️ Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes. Sedation dentistry is very safe when provided by trained professionals. At Descanso Smiles, Dr. Suh and our team take all precautions to ensure your child’s safety and comfort. This includes:

Reviewing your child’s medical history and current medications
Carefully selecting the right level and type of sedation
Providing detailed pre- and post-operative instructions for parents

How to Know if Sedation Is Right for Your Child

Every child is different. We may recommend sedation if your child:

Has high dental anxiety or fear
Has difficulty sitting still for longer procedures
Is very young or unable to fully cooperate
Has special healthcare needs
Requires extensive dental work

Have questions about sedation options for your child?
We’re here to help. Contact us at 818-790-5959, Descanso Smiles: Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

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