Sedation Dentistry
Some children need a little extra help feeling at ease in the dental chair. Dr. Andrea matches the right level of support — from mild relaxation to full sleep dentistry — to your child's age, anxiety level, and treatment needs, so every visit stays safe and positive.
Nitrous Oxide
For children who feel nervous about dental procedures, nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) offers a gentle way to help them relax. This safe, mild anxiolytic has been used in pediatric dentistry for decades to create positive dental experiences.
How It Works:
Your child breathes the odorless gas through a soft nose mask while remaining fully awake and able to communicate. The gas works quickly to create a calm, comfortable feeling. At Poppy Kids, we let our young patients choose their favorite scented mask – options include bubblegum, orange, strawberry, and grape.
Safe and Simple:
Dr. Andrea carefully monitors the nitrous oxide level throughout the procedure, adjusting it to your child's needs. Afterward, five minutes of pure oxygen completely clears the gas from their system, allowing immediate return to normal activities.
Nitrous oxide offers quick onset and recovery, with no lingering effects, while keeping your child awake and comfortable throughout their visit. This safe, proven comfort option helps create positive dental experiences and is available for children who may benefit from extra relaxation during treatment.
How It Works:
Your child breathes the odorless gas through a soft nose mask while remaining fully awake and able to communicate. The gas works quickly to create a calm, comfortable feeling. At Poppy Kids, we let our young patients choose their favorite scented mask – options include bubblegum, orange, strawberry, and grape.
Safe and Simple:
Dr. Andrea carefully monitors the nitrous oxide level throughout the procedure, adjusting it to your child's needs. Afterward, five minutes of pure oxygen completely clears the gas from their system, allowing immediate return to normal activities.
Nitrous oxide offers quick onset and recovery, with no lingering effects, while keeping your child awake and comfortable throughout their visit. This safe, proven comfort option helps create positive dental experiences and is available for children who may benefit from extra relaxation during treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For children whose anxiety or treatment needs go beyond what nitrous oxide can comfortably manage — but who don't need general anesthesia — oral conscious sedation offers a safe middle option. Your child takes a liquid medication in the office before treatment and stays awake and responsive throughout, just deeply relaxed.
How It Works:
Dr. Andrea selects the medication and dose individually, based on your child's age, health history, level of anxiety, and the treatment planned. Your child is monitored continuously from the moment the medication is given until you head home, following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's sedation guidelines. Dr. Andrea holds a certificate in oral conscious sedation and has used it throughout her career to help anxious children complete treatment comfortably.
What to Expect:
Plan a quiet day — children are often drowsy for a few hours afterward and should be supervised at home while the medication wears off. We'll walk you through preparation, including eating and drinking instructions, and aftercare before the appointment.
How It Works:
Dr. Andrea selects the medication and dose individually, based on your child's age, health history, level of anxiety, and the treatment planned. Your child is monitored continuously from the moment the medication is given until you head home, following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's sedation guidelines. Dr. Andrea holds a certificate in oral conscious sedation and has used it throughout her career to help anxious children complete treatment comfortably.
What to Expect:
Plan a quiet day — children are often drowsy for a few hours afterward and should be supervised at home while the medication wears off. We'll walk you through preparation, including eating and drinking instructions, and aftercare before the appointment.
General Anesthesia Services
General anesthesia provides a safe and effective way to complete all necessary dental treatment in a single visit while your child sleeps peacefully. This option is particularly beneficial for children who need extensive work, experience significant anxiety, have special healthcare needs, or are too young to cooperate for lengthy treatment.
We proudly partner with Bay Anesthesia, a highly respected team of dental anesthesiologists specializing in pediatric care. Dr. Andrea has worked alongside their experienced team for years, creating a trusted partnership that prioritizes your child's safety and comfort. During treatment, your child will be continuously monitored by the anesthesia team while Dr. Andrea completes the dental work. This teamwork approach ensures the highest level of care throughout the procedure.
Every step of the process, from pre-operative preparation through recovery, is carefully managed with your child's wellbeing in mind. We'll provide detailed instructions to help you prepare for the appointment and guide you through the recovery process.
We proudly partner with Bay Anesthesia, a highly respected team of dental anesthesiologists specializing in pediatric care. Dr. Andrea has worked alongside their experienced team for years, creating a trusted partnership that prioritizes your child's safety and comfort. During treatment, your child will be continuously monitored by the anesthesia team while Dr. Andrea completes the dental work. This teamwork approach ensures the highest level of care throughout the procedure.
Every step of the process, from pre-operative preparation through recovery, is carefully managed with your child's wellbeing in mind. We'll provide detailed instructions to help you prepare for the appointment and guide you through the recovery process.
Sedation supports the rest of our complete smile care. Explore preventive care and restorative care, or see everything we offer.
