Sedation Dentistry
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
Keeping Your Kiddos Comfy
Whether your child needs their first filling or is just nervous about seeing the dentist for the first time, Dr. Tyffani Palmer and the team at Sunny Side of the Street Pediatric Dentistry are here to help. We’re all about helping kids feel safe, comfortable, and confident while they get the dental care they need. And if they need a little bit of help? We offer a wide range of child-safe, parent-approved sedation options, too!
Should Your Child Get Sedation at the Dentist?
That’s up to you, your child, and how they feel about dentistry. Dr. Tyffani Palmer specializes in working with kids, so we know how to keep your little ones comfortable even without sedation.
However, sedation may be a good option if:
- Your child is really nervous or intimidated by an upcoming visit
- Your child has trouble sitting still for long periods of time
- Your child needs multiple procedures done at once
- Your child is afraid of needles
- Your child has a strong gag reflex
- Your child has special needs
Is sedation right for your child? Just ask Dr. Tyffani Palmer about your options. She can help you choose the right treatment for your little one.
We Offer Personalized Sedation Options for Kids of All Ages
Dr. Tyffani Palmer has years of experience with pediatric dental sedation. Whether your kid’s just a little bit nervous and needs some help feeling confident or they need to sleep through their entire procedure, we’ve got you covered with three different sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
We recommend nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” for most kids. In this type of sedation, your child wears a special nose mask that pumps a carefully adjusted mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen into their lungs when they breathe in.
Once the gas takes effect, your child will feel a little bit loopy and “out of it,” but will still be totally conscious and responsive to commands. Along with local numbing, this is enough to keep most kids feeling safe and comfy during their visit with Dr. Tyffani and the team at Sunny Side of the Street Pediatric Dentistry.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, your child will drink a special sedative liquid before their procedure begins. It will take an hour or two to kick in. Once it does, your child will be very groggy and relaxed. It’s pretty common for kids to fall asleep during their visit with oral conscious sedation. This is a great option if you’d like a slightly deeper level of sedation for your child.
In-Office General Anesthesia
General anesthesia involves a more comprehensive approach to sedation. Rather than just relaxing the patient, general anesthesia fully puts them into a deep sleep for the duration of the procedure. The medication used for general anesthesia is administered through an IV by an in-house anesthesiologist, ensuring that your child remains completely unconscious during the entire dental procedure.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Kids?
Absolutely. With modern techniques and Dr. Tyffani’s extensive training, your child will be in good hands. Our team will monitor their vitals closely throughout the procedure to ensure their safety.
How Long Until My Child’s Sedation Wears Off?
This depends on the type of sedation you choose. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) typically wears off after about five minutes, so you and your child can return to your normal routines immediately.
Oral conscious and IV sedation are a little different, though. Your child will experience side effects for 1-2 hours after their visit. The sedative can take up to 4-8 hours to wear off completely, so it’s best to take things easy for the rest of the day after their visit with Dr. Tyffani.