Dental sedation is a helpful option for children who experience anxiety, have trouble staying still, or require longer or more involved procedures. It creates a calmer environment for both the child and the dental team.
Whether your child is receiving a dental filling or having a tooth extracted, sedation can provide the level of relaxation needed to complete treatment safely and comfortably
We offer pediatric dental sedation at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.
Key Takeaway
Pediatric dental sedation helps children feel calm and safe during dental procedures. We offer Nitrous Oxide and IV sedation to support a relaxed experience and quality dental care for every child.
What Is Pediatric Dental Sedation?
Pediatric dental sedation is the use of medication to help children relax during dental care. It is often recommended when a child has dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still, or is undergoing complex procedures that require a deeper level of focus and cooperation.
Each form of sedation provides a different level of relaxation. Some children remain fully awake but calm, while others may feel drowsy and remember little about the visit. The right option depends on your child’s comfort level, age, medical history, and the type of dental treatment being provided.
Why Sedation May Be Recommended
Sedation dentistry may be part of your child’s treatment plan if they:
- Have severe anxiety or past negative dental experiences
- Need multiple or complex procedures, such as tooth extractions
- Struggle to sit still due to age, sensory challenges, or developmental conditions
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have special healthcare needs that affect their ability to cooperate
Our goal is to create a safe, relaxed dental environment where children can receive the oral care they need without added stress.
Types of Sedation We Offer
At Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two safe and widely used sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This mild form of sedation is delivered through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. It takes effect quickly and helps your child feel calm and comfortable throughout their dental appointment.
- Your child remains awake and responsive
- The effects wear off within minutes
- Most children return to normal activities right away
- Ideal for routine cleanings, fillings, and sealants
IV Sedation
For children with severe anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures, IV sedation may be the right choice. This deeper level of sedation is administered through a vein and allows your child to remain deeply relaxed while still conscious.
- Administered by trained professionals
- Helps complete multiple treatments in one visit
- Often used for children with special needs or complex dental care needs
- Requires rest at home after the appointment
We do not currently offer oral sedation but are happy to discuss whether laughing gas or IV sedation is appropriate for your child’s care.
What To Expect During Your Child’s Appointment
We begin by reviewing your child’s medical history and determining the safest sedation option based on their health, age, and treatment needs. If IV sedation is planned, you will receive specific instructions about food and drink restrictions prior to the visit.
When you arrive, our team will walk you and your child through what to expect. We take time to answer questions, explain the sedation process in kid-friendly language, and ensure your child feels as calm and supported as possible.
During the procedure, your child’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels are closely monitored by trained professionals. Sedation is adjusted as needed to maintain a safe, steady level of relaxation.
Once treatment is complete, we will bring your child to a quiet recovery area where they can rest while the sedation wears off. Before you leave, we will go over at-home care instructions and let you know what to expect over the next several hours.
Our goal is to provide a safe, smooth experience that helps your child receive high-quality care while feeling secure and cared for at every step.
Caring for Your Child After Sedation
Most children recover from laughing gas within minutes. After IV sedation, your child may feel sleepy or groggy for several hours. We recommend that you:
- Let your child rest at home for the remainder of the day
- Offer soft foods and plenty of water
- Monitor their comfort and level of alertness
- Avoid active play until they feel fully back to normal
We will provide personalized aftercare instructions before you leave the dental office.
Your Local Home for Children’s Smiles
You can find us in our bright yellow building with blue shutters, right off MLK Jr. Street near Gandy Boulevard. Our cheerful office, painted bright yellow with blue shutters, is a welcoming home for pediatric dentistry in St. Petersburg, FL.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and are in-network with many providers, helping families in St. Petersburg, FL receive high-quality pediatric care with predictable costs.
Schedule a Consultation in St. Petersburg, FL
If your child feels nervous about dental visits or needs treatment that may require sedation, we are here to help. Dr. Marai Vales and our compassionate team at Sunny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offer tailored sedation options to ensure a safe and gentle experience for every child.
To book an appointment, at our pediatric dental office in St. Petersburg, FL, call (727) 914-6611 or visit us at 8525 Dr MLK Jr St N St Petersburg, FL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for dental sedation?
Every child is evaluated on a case-by-base basis. Age is always taken into consideration when discussing the type of sedation. Our team will evaluate your child’s needs and recommend the safest option.
Will my child be asleep during sedation?
Your child will be given a carefully controlled amount of medication to achieve deep sedation or light general anesthesia. They will be unconscious during the procedure but will continue to breathe on their own, with stable blood pressure and vital signs.
How long does it take for sedation to wear off?
Laughing gas wears off within minutes. IV sedation takes longer to leave the system, and your child may feel sleepy or groggy for several hours after the appointment.
Is sedation safe for children?
When administered by trained professionals in a pediatric dental setting, sedation is considered very safe. We monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the entire procedure and use pediatric-specific equipment to support their safety.
Can my child eat before a sedation appointment?
For IV sedation, there are strict guidelines about eating and drinking beforehand. We will provide detailed instructions based on your child’s sedation plan to help prevent any complications.
