Sedation For Children

Safe And Calming

At Phamily Pediatric Dentistry, we proudly serve young patients from San Bruno and surrounding Bay Area communities. Our practice frequently cares for children who may have unique challenges related to their age, behavior, medical conditions, or other special needs. To ensure a comfortable and successful dental experience, we may recommend various sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, depending on the individual needs of your child.

After a comprehensive evaluation, we will discuss treatment options with you, always striving to provide the least invasive, most comfortable, and personalized care possible. In many cases, nitrous oxide is an excellent choice to help your child relax during their visit, making the dental experience more enjoyable. While we do not offer oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia on-site, we’ve included additional information below to help you understand these options.

Group of smiling children
Woman receiving calming inhalant sedation

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Known for its calming effects, laughing gas is used to help patients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or nervousness. It alleviates these feelings, allowing patients to relax and undergo treatment with comfort and safety. The gas is administered through a small hood placed over the nose, and as it takes effect, patients feel at ease but remain fully conscious and able to communicate. Once the gas is turned off, its sedative effects quickly wear off, leaving the patient alert and clear-headed.

Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation

Patients who are more anxious may need an oral medication that is stronger than nitrous oxide. With oral sedation, the patient may be sleepy but can be aroused and will respond to simple commands. Minor side effects such as nausea or vomiting can occur with some medications. Before a visit in which a patient is to receive oral sedation, he/she will receive instructions about eating and drinking, what to expect and what to watch for after treatment. You will need assistance to get home after sedation.

Man receiving IV Sedation

IV Sedation

Injection or intravenous (into a vein) methods require more experience to be administered and monitored properly. Injections and intravenous medications should be used only by dentists with extensive training in these techniques.

General anesthesia puts a patient into a deep sleep. He or she is unable to feel pain or to move around. General anesthesia may be recommended if the patient:

  • Can't relax or calm down enough for treatment to be performed safely, even with conscious sedation and other behavior management techniques
  • Needs oral surgery or other dental treatment that would be difficult for the patient to tolerate while awake
  • Needs a lot of dental work that can best be done in one long appointment rather than many shorter visits
  • Has a medical, physical or emotional disability that limits his or her ability to understand directions and be treated safely as an outpatient

Some general dentists have received training and a certification in general anesthesia, while others contract with an anesthesiologist. These professionals are trained to deliver the medications and monitor patients during the procedure and handle any complications that may occur.