Sedation in pediatric dentistry
Safe solutions to help kids have anxiety-free dental visits
Some kids love the dentist, and some feel a bit scared—that’s completely normal. At Hamilton County Pediatric Dentistry, we offer sedation options to help prevent fear and promote comfort during your child’s dental visits.
Why sedation for kids?
Sedation induces a sense of calm, which makes it easier for anxious and scared children (and those too young to understand what’s happening) to get the kids’ dental services they need without fear.
Sedation dentistry isn’t used for every child. For those who need it, our services ensure they receive top-notch, comfortable care. Other benefits include:
- Minimizing kids’ movements (like nervous fidgeting and squirming), which allows Dr. Laura Juntgen (rhymes with “dungeon”) to perform treatment more efficiently and quickly
- Ensuring more comfort during complex procedures, often reducing the need for multiple visits
- More relaxing experiences that help foster positive associations with dental care for future visits
Safe and personalized care
Your child’s safety is our top priority. We follow the guidelines and protocols of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to select and monitor all sedation patients carefully.
Dr. Juntgen’s advanced training in sedation and pediatric advanced life support ensures that each sedation option is administered safely and effectively. Our experienced team continuously monitors your child’s vital signs, and in the rare event of a complication, we’re fully equipped to handle any situation.
Sedation options for kids
Based on the complexity of the dental work required and your child’s specific needs, we offer sedation options ranging from mild relaxation to deeper sedation, including:
Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
Nitrous oxide is a mild, inhaled sedative delivered through a scented nasal mask, affectionately known as the “hero mask” or “elephant trunk.” It’s perfect for children with slight anxiety or those needing to stay still during their appointment. Nitrous oxide creates a happy, relaxed state without putting your child to sleep, and its effects wear off quickly, so there’s no lingering drowsiness.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation—ideal when a bit more relaxation would help—is administered in advance to young children as a cherry-flavored liquid or as a pill in advance to older kids and teens. Our team monitors any child receiving oral sedation throughout their appointment to ensure their safety.
IV sedation
For the extremely anxious or those requiring extensive dental work, IV sedation offers deep relaxation so kids remain comfortable and unaware during treatment. Hamilton County Pediatric Dentistry partners with Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Associates for IV sedation and has a board-certified anesthesiologist working with us in our kids’ dental office.
After their appointment and once back home, a child may feel groggy and need someone to monitor them until the sedation wears off.
General anesthesia
Dr. Juntgen may recommend providing care in an operating room under general anesthesia. Occasionally, this is the safest sedation option for a more extensive case or medically compromised patient. For your convenience, all operating room cases are completed in the adjoining St. Vincent Carmel Hospital.
Nitrous Oxide
Ideal Patient
- Healthy
- Slightly nervous
- Low/moderate caries risk
Mode of Medication
- Inhalation (gas)
Dental Needs
- One or two teeth
- Conservative treatment
Level of Sedation
- Mild anxiolysis
- Awake and talking
Location
- HCPD (parent back)
Oral Sedation
Ideal Patient
- Healthy
- Fearful/nervous
- Able to cooperate
- Low/moderate caries risk
Mode of Medication
- Oral (drink)
Dental Needs
- One quadrant of mouth
- Conservative treatment
Level of Sedation
- Mild
- Awake but drowsy
- Able to respond
Location
- HCPD (NO parent)
IV Sedation
Ideal Patient
- Fearful/nervous
- Unwilling/unable to cooperate
- Medical diagnosis
- High caries risk
Mode of Medication
- Inhalation (mask)
- IV (shot)
Dental Needs
- Two or more quadrants
- Aggressive treatment
- Goal → No repeat treatment
Level of Sedation
- Moderate
- Patient is asleep
- Unable to respond
- Breathing w/out assist
Location
- HCPD (NO parent) *
General Anesthesia
Ideal Patient
- Fearful/nervous
- Unwilling/unable to cooperate
- Extensive treatment needs
- Complex medical diagnosis
- Failed previous sedation
- High caries risk
Mode of Medication
- Inhalation (mask)
- IV (shot)
Dental Needs
- Three or more quadrants
- Aggressive treatment
- Prophylactic treatment
- Goal → No repeat treatment
Level of Sedation
- Deep
- Patient is asleep
- Unable to respond
- Breathing with tube
Location
- Operating room (NO parent) **
* IV sedation fee is billed as an out-of-pocket expense
** Anesthesia is billed under medical insurance, coverage varies
Peace of mind for parents
What to expect during with sedation
We strive to make the sedation process transparent and reassuring for both you and your child. Before the appointment, Dr. Juntgen will provide clear instructions on preparation (including any dietary restrictions) and post-operative guidance. Download our detailed sedation dentistry guides to put your mind: