Pediatric Dental Sedation in Arlington

Many children have a hard time sitting still, which can make dental care difficult. Others may be fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist. However, with sedation options, we can ensure your child stays comfortable and relaxed during their visit, so every trip to the dentist is a positive experience.

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Pediatric Dental Sedation in Arlington

Many children have a hard time sitting still, which can make dental care difficult. Others may be fearful or anxious about visiting the dentist. However, with sedation options, we can ensure your child stays comfortable and relaxed during their visit, so every trip to the dentist is a positive experience.

Schedule Now

Schedule your checkup

Visit our practice

Call (703) 646-1805

Why Should I Choose Pediatric Sedation?

Why Should I Choose Pediatric Sedation?

Sedation is really useful for kids. Just like adults, children are often nervous about dental procedures like fillings, or even oral exams and teeth cleanings. Sedation keeps your child calm and comfortable. It also makes it easier for your dentist to treat them, particularly if your little one is active and tends to move around a lot. Keeping them still and comfortable lets their pediatric dentist focus on the procedure and provide better overall care.

Child receives care from Dr. Rai, Dentist in Arlington at Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry.

Did you know…

Did you know…

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” was first used in dental sedation way back in 1844. Today, it’s still the most common sedation method for kids.

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  • Laughing Gas for Little Smiles

    The most mild form of sedation, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment.

  • Oral Conscious Sedation Options

    Oral conscious sedation is taken in liquid or pill form, and can be administered 30-60 minutes before your child’s treatment. It’s a great option for kiddos with more severe dental anxiety, or those undergoing more complex procedures.

    Oral Conscious Sedation pill in the palm of a hand

  • IV Sedation Available

    IV sedation is delivered directly to the bloodstream, putting your child into a state of deep relaxation. Ideal for those with severe anxiety or other special needs, little patients who receive IV sedation may fall asleep during treatment, but they can be easily woken to respond to commands.

    IV Sedation

  • General Anesthesia for Severe Anxiety

    General anesthesia is usually reserved for only the most invasive dental surgeries, as it requires the use of a ventilator to help patients breathe. The primary benefit of general anesthesia is that it will render your child completely unconscious, they will not feel anything or remember anything about their treatment.

    General Anesthesia at Shirlinton Pediatric Dentistry

  • Laughing Gas for Little Smiles

    The most mild form of sedation, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment.

  • Oral Conscious Sedation Options

    Oral conscious sedation is taken in liquid or pill form, and can be administered 30-60 minutes before your child’s treatment. It’s a great option for kiddos with more severe dental anxiety, or those undergoing more complex procedures.

    Oral Conscious Sedation pill in the palm of a hand

  • IV Sedation Available

    IV sedation is delivered directly to the bloodstream, putting your child into a state of deep relaxation. Ideal for those with severe anxiety or other special needs, little patients who receive IV sedation may fall asleep during treatment, but they can be easily woken to respond to commands.

    IV Sedation

  • General Anesthesia for Severe Anxiety

    General anesthesia is usually reserved for only the most invasive dental surgeries, as it requires the use of a ventilator to help patients breathe. The primary benefit of general anesthesia is that it will render your child completely unconscious, they will not feel anything or remember anything about their treatment.

    General Anesthesia at Shirlinton Pediatric Dentistry

  • Laughing Gas for Little Smiles

    The most mild form of sedation, nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or minimally inhaled sedation, is a safe way to ensure your child stays relaxed during their treatment.

    Girl makes a heart with her hand while wearing mask for laughing gas sedation

  • Oral Conscious Sedation Options

    Oral conscious sedation is taken in liquid or pill form, and can be administered 30-60 minutes before your child’s treatment. It’s a great option for kiddos with more severe dental anxiety, or those undergoing more complex procedures.

    Oral Conscious Sedation pill in the palm of a hand

  • IV Sedation Available

    IV sedation is delivered directly to the bloodstream, putting your child into a state of deep relaxation. Ideal for those with severe anxiety or other special needs, little patients who receive IV sedation may fall asleep during treatment, but they can be easily woken to respond to commands.

    IV Sedation

  • General Anesthesia for Severe Anxiety

    General anesthesia is usually reserved for only the most invasive dental surgeries, as it requires the use of a ventilator to help patients breathe. The primary benefit of general anesthesia is that it will render your child completely unconscious, they will not feel anything or remember anything about their treatment.

    General Anesthesia at Shirlinton Pediatric Dentistry

The Benefits of Pediatric Sedation

Manage Fear & Dental Anxiety

Manage Fear & Dental Anxiety

Seeing the dentist can be scary for kids of all ages, particularly for procedures like fillings. With sedation, your little one can sit back, relax, and feel more comfortable throughout their entire appointment with their pediatric dentist.

Seeing the dentist can be scary for kids of all ages, particularly for procedures like fillings. With sedation, your little one can sit back, relax, and feel more comfortable throughout their entire appointment with their pediatric dentist.

Eliminate Pain & Discomfort

Eliminate Pain & Discomfort

Along with local numbing, sedation is extremely effective at controlling any potential pain and discomfort that your little one may experience during their treatment. This makes their treatment easier and gives you peace of mind.

Along with local numbing, sedation is extremely effective at controlling any potential pain and discomfort that your little one may experience during their treatment. This makes their treatment easier and gives you peace of mind.

Mitigate Gag Reflex, Fear Of Needles

Mitigate Gag Reflex, Fear Of Needles

Some types of sedation can help impair the gag reflex, which is really useful if your child needs work to be done on their rear teeth and has a sensitive gag reflex. It can also help with fear of numbing needles, which is common in both kids and adults.

Some types of sedation can help impair the gag reflex, which is really useful if your child needs work to be done on their rear teeth and has a sensitive gag reflex. It can also help with fear of numbing needles, which is common in both kids and adults.

The Pediatric Sedation Treatment Process

Initial Consultation & Approval

Before your child can be sedated, their pediatric dentist will discuss their health history, medications, supplements, and other details with you to make sure they can be sedated safely. If your child is approved, their pediatric dentist will discuss their options for sedation, and which one may be right for their situation.

Preparation & Sedation

If you need to do anything special to prepare for their appointment, your child’s pediatric dentist will let you know. Then, you’ll come to our office as scheduled, and your child will be sedated for their appointment. They’ll be able to relax and get their treatment in a comfortable, child-friendly environment.

Sedation Aftercare

Depending on the type of sedation, your child may recover from sedation within just a few minutes, or may require some special aftercare and monitoring after their appointment. Your pediatric dentist will give you all the details you need to care for your little one after their treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does sedation dentistry feel like for my child?

Is sedation dentistry safe for toddlers?

Is sedation dentistry right for my child?

Why is sedation used in dentistry?

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