Gentle & Stress-Free Dental Care for Children
At Aeris Family Dental, we understand that some children feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist. To ensure a calm and comfortable experience, we offer pediatric sedation dentistry in Tucson, AZ. Our safe and effective sedation methods help young patients relax during dental procedures, allowing for a smoother, stress-free visit.
Whether your child needs a routine treatment or a more complex procedure, our caring team is committed to providing a positive and reassuring experience while prioritizing their safety and well-being.
What Is Pediatric Sedation?
Pediatric sedation is the use of medication to help children feel relaxed and comfortable during dental treatments. It is especially helpful for:
- Children with dental anxiety or fear
- Young patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures
- Children with strong gag reflexes
- Kids who have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Patients with special needs who require extra comfort and care
At Aeris Family Dental, we take extra precautions to ensure safe, controlled sedation that is tailored to your child’s needs.
Types of Sedation for Children
We offer different pediatric sedation options, depending on the level of anxiety, treatment type, and individual medical history.
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- Mild and safe sedation used to relax anxious children
- Delivered through a small mask placed over the nose
- Takes effect quickly and wears off within minutes after the procedure
- Allows your child to remain awake and responsive but relaxed
- Ideal for routine dental treatments, such as fillings or dental cleanings
2. Oral Sedation (Conscious Sedation)
- Taken as a liquid or pill before the appointment
- Helps children feel calm and drowsy but still awake and responsive
- Effects last longer than nitrous oxide, making it ideal for moderate procedures
- Often used for extractions, crowns, or multiple treatments in one visit
3. IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation)
- Administered through a vein for a deeper level of relaxation
- Allows children to remain semi-conscious but unbothered by the procedure
- Used for longer or more complex treatments, such as oral surgery
- Closely monitored by trained professionals to ensure maximum safety
Our dentists will discuss the best sedation option based on your child’s needs, medical history, and the type of dental treatment required.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Yes! Pediatric sedation dentistry is safe when administered by experienced professionals. At Aeris Family Dental, we follow strict guidelines to ensure:
- Accurate dosing based on your child’s age, weight, and medical history
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels
- A gentle and supportive environment to help your child feel at ease
We will also provide pre-appointment instructions and post-care guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery after sedation.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Sedation Appointment
- Pre-Appointment Instructions
- Depending on the type of sedation, we may advise fasting before the visit.
- Discuss your child’s medical history and any allergies with our team.
- Administering Sedation
- The chosen sedation method is administered before or during treatment.
- Your child will begin to feel relaxed and calm within minutes.
- Dental Procedure
- Our gentle dentists and staff complete the treatment while ensuring maximum comfort.
- Your child may feel sleepy but will not experience pain.
- Post-Treatment Care
- After nitrous oxide, children can return to normal activities quickly.
- If oral or IV sedation was used, they may need rest for a few hours.
- We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry
- Reduces Fear & Anxiety – Helps children feel calm and at ease during their visit.
- Pain-Free Procedures – Ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience.
- Minimizes Gag Reflex – Makes it easier for children with sensitive gag reflexes.
- Allows for Multiple Treatments – Enables dentists to complete more procedures in fewer visits.
- Encourages Future Positive Dental Visits – Builds confidence and prevents dental phobia in adulthood.
Preparing Your Child for Sedation
To help your child have a smooth sedation experience, follow these simple steps:
- Talk to your child positively about their dental visit to reduce fear.
- Follow fasting instructions (if required) before the appointment.
- Bring their favorite blanket or stuffed animal for comfort.
- Plan for rest after the visit, especially for oral or IV sedation cases.
If you have any concerns, our team is happy to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Why Choose Aeris Family Dental for Pediatric Sedation?
- Experienced & Compassionate Team – Led by Dr. Lan Allen, Dr. Kevin Mortenson, and Dr. Scott Sonico, we specialize in gentle pediatric care.
- Safe & Monitored Sedation – We use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure optimal safety.
- Kid-Friendly Environment – Our office is designed to make kids feel at ease during treatment.
- Flexible Scheduling – Appointments available at three Tucson locations.
If your child experiences dental anxiety or needs a stress-free dental visit, pediatric sedation can help!
Schedule a Pediatric Sedation Consultation in Tucson, AZ
At Aeris Family Dental, we provide safe and gentle sedation options for children who need extra comfort during their dental visit. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment. Visit Us at One of Our Three Locations:
Rita Ranch Office
Address: 10410 E. Rita Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Friday: 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Call or Text: (520) 356-4959 | Email: rita@tucsonteeth.com
Continental Ranch Office
Address: 8651 N. Silverbell Rd. Suite 103, Tucson, AZ 85743
Hours: Varies by day (earliest start: 7:00 AM, latest close: 6:00 PM)
Call or Text: (520) 341-5730 | Email: silverbell@tucsonteeth.com
Downtown Tucson Office
Address: 1 E. Congress, Suite 153, Tucson, AZ 85701
Hours: By Appointment Only, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Call: (520) 346-6236 | Text: (520) 200-0818 | Email: downtown@tucsonteeth.com
Schedule Your Consultation Now
FAQs About Pediatric Sedation
1. Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes! Our trained dentists and sedation specialists ensure safe administration and continuous monitoring during the procedure.
2. How long does sedation last?
- Nitrous oxide wears off immediately.
- Oral sedation effects last a few hours.
- IV sedation may require a full day of rest.
3. Will my child be asleep during sedation?
With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, your child will be awake but relaxed. IV sedation may cause drowsiness, but they will remain responsive.
4. Can my child return to school after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, they can resume normal activities. For oral or IV sedation, a day of rest is recommended.
5. How do I know if my child needs sedation?
If your child has dental anxiety, difficulty sitting still, or requires complex treatment, sedation may be beneficial.
