Understanding When Oral Sedation Is Needed

Our pediatric dentists may recommend oral sedation for several reasons. It is often an ideal solution for children with severe dental anxiety that cannot be managed by traditional calming techniques alone. It is also highly beneficial for very young children who cannot sit still for an extended period. 

Children with a strong gag reflex or those requiring extensive restorative work that would be difficult to complete in a single visit may also benefit greatly from oral sedation. By creating a state of deep relaxation, oral sedation allows our team to perform necessary treatments efficiently and effectively, all while the child remains comfortable. The goal is to complete the dental work safely while preventing the child from forming negative memories of the experience.

Our Approach to Safe Sedation Dentistry

Safety is our top priority. Before recommending any type of sedation, our dentists thoroughly review your child’s medical history. Oral sedation is given as a liquid medication at our office before the procedure starts. This medication helps your child feel very relaxed and sleepy, though they will stay conscious and able to respond to verbal cues. Our highly trained team uses advanced monitoring equipment throughout the appointment, including pulse oximetry, to continuously track your child’s vital signs. 

We are fully prepared with all necessary emergency protocols to ensure maximum safety. After the procedure, we provide detailed post-operative instructions, including guidance on diet and activity, to promote a smooth and comfortable recovery at home. 

In addition to oral sedation, we offer other sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety and IV sedation for more complex cases, which you can learn more about on our sedation dentistry page. Sedation can also be used for other specialized services, like restorative dentistry and orthodontics.

Why Families Choose TLC Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Choosing a dental home for your child is an important decision, and at TLC, we aim to make that choice simple. 

Experience and Care: Our practice is built on expertise and a genuine love for helping children. Our pediatric dentists are board-certified, meaning they have completed at least two additional years of specialized training beyond dental school to become experts in caring for children’s oral health. This advanced education allows them to address young patients’ unique dental and behavioral needs. 

Calming Environment: A positive experience involves more than just clinical skills. Our office is designed to be a warm, inviting, and playful space where children feel comfortable. From engaging toys in the waiting area to using positive reinforcement, we foster a welcoming environment that reduces fear and builds confidence.

Expert Team: Our team, including the highly regarded Dr. Valerie Fong and Dr. Vishnu Reddy, is dedicated to pediatric care. They take the time to build trust with each child, explain procedures in an age-appropriate way, and answer any questions you or your child might have. 

Accessible Services: We are proud that our dedication to compassionate care is reflected in the positive feedback from the families we serve. We also believe that quality dental care should be accessible, so we offer an in-house Dental Membership Plan to help families manage the cost of their children’s dental needs without the complexities of traditional insurance.