What Is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
Many children experience stress or fear during dental visits. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim offer pediatric sedation dentistry to make appointments calm and comfortable. During the consultation, our doctors carefully explain each sedation option, answer your questions, and recommend the safest choice for your child’s unique needs.
What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?
Pediatric sedation dentistry at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lawrenceville, GA makes dental care easier and more comfortable for children. It helps create a positive dental experience while supporting long-term oral health. Some key benefits include:
Multiple safe sedation options tailored to your child
Reduced anxiety, fear, and stress during treatment
Minimal discomfort throughout the procedure
Improved precision and overall treatment quality
Ability to complete longer or more involved procedures in one visit
Opportunity to finish multiple treatments in a single appointment
Little to no memory of the procedure, reducing future dental fear
Support for better long-term oral health and confidence
Safe, carefully monitored care by experienced pediatric dentists
Affordable and cost-effective solutions for families
What Types of Sedation Are Used in Pediatric Dentistry?
Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim may recommend one of the following safe sedation methods:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A light sedation inhaled through a small mask. It helps children feel calm, and the effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped.
- Oral-conscious sedation: A prescribed medication taken before the appointment. Children remain awake but relaxed, and the effects may last for several hours.
- Hospital dentistry with IV sedation: Recommended for children with special needs, medical conditions, or those requiring extensive treatment.
Who is a candidate for pediatric sedation dentistry?
Children who struggle with dental anxiety, fear, or difficulty staying calm during visits may be good candidates for sedation. This option is also helpful for children who require longer or more complex treatments. Before making a recommendation, Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim carefully review each child’s medical history, dental needs, and overall health. Their goal is always to choose the safest and most effective sedation method for every patient.
How does pediatric sedation dentistry work?
The process depends on the type of sedation used. With nitrous oxide, a small mask is placed over the nose and mouth, allowing the child to breathe in a gentle calming gas while staying fully awake. Oral sedation involves giving a prescribed medication before the appointment, which helps children stay relaxed and cooperative throughout treatment. In hospital dentistry cases, sedation medication is delivered through an IV. During this process, the child is closely monitored until the effects completely wear off. No matter which method is chosen, Dr. Kong, Dr. Kim, and their team stay by the child’s side to ensure comfort and safety from beginning to end.
Is pediatric sedation dentistry safe for my child?
Yes, pediatric sedation dentistry is safe when performed by experienced professionals. Dr. Kong and Dr. Kim are trained to carefully evaluate each child’s medical history before recommending sedation. They also monitor every step of the process to ensure safety. Unlike general anesthesia, sedation does not put children into a deep sleep. Instead, it allows them to remain conscious, responsive, and relaxed while receiving the care they need.
Does insurance cover pediatric sedation dentistry?
Insurance coverage varies depending on the type of sedation and the details of each plan. At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, the team contacts your insurance provider ahead of time to confirm coverage and calculate any potential out-of-pocket expenses. If sedation is not fully covered, families can also explore flexible payment plans and financing options designed to make treatment more manageable.
What should we expect after pediatric sedation?
Most children return to their normal state within 20 to 30 minutes after treatment. However, it is common for them to feel slightly tired or groggy for the rest of the day. Some children may also experience mild confusion or disorientation as the sedation wears off, but these effects usually pass quickly. Parents are encouraged to let their child rest and recover comfortably at home. If any unusual symptoms appear, the team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry is always available for support and guidance.
Safe, compassionate children’s dental care
At Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Jeni Kong and Dr. Milee Kim are committed to providing care that is both safe and compassionate. Their approach to pediatric sedation dentistry allows children to receive essential treatments in a calm, stress-free environment. With gentle guidance and attentive monitoring, they help every child feel secure throughout their visit. Families who wish to learn more about sedation options are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kong or Dr. Kim to discuss the best solution for their child’s needs.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry FAQ
Yes, for the majority of healthy children with no preexisting conditions, pediatric sedation dentistry is considered generally very safe and effective. Before the procedure, Dr. Jeni will review your child’s medical history and current health to ensure sedation dentistry is safe for them.
Unless your child is undergoing hospital dentistry, sedation dentistry will not put them to sleep, but rather it will simply relax them. Some may fall asleep from the feeling of calm and relaxation, but the sedation itself does not put them to sleep.
No, most children won’t feel any pain with sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry works to reduce any fear or anxiety your child may have about their dental procedure but isn’t necessarily for pain (unless it is full sedation at a hospital). The tooth or teeth to be treated will be completely numbed with a local anesthetic to prevent your child from feeling any pain during the procedure.
Parents should ensure their child follows any pre-appointment instructions, such as fasting guidelines. It’s also helpful to explain to the child in simple terms what to expect, avoiding any mention of pain or discomfort. Bringing a favorite toy or blanket can provide comfort and ease anxiety on the day of the procedure.
Dentists use specialized equipment to continuously monitor the child’s heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and breathing throughout the procedure. This ensures the child’s safety and allows the dental team to respond quickly to any changes. The monitoring equipment is noninvasive and typically does not cause any discomfort to the child.
Follow all post-procedure instructions provided by our team at Apple Tree Pediatric Dentistry. These may include monitoring your child’s activity, providing soft foods, and ensuring they rest as needed.