The Smile Spot New

At The Smile Spot, we specialize in a range of pediatric sedation options to meet the unique needs of our young patients. As pediatric dental experts, we collaborate with parents to determine the most appropriate sedation method for their child. Understanding that every child is different, we tailor our approach to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Nitrous Oxide aka ‘Laughing Gas’ (Mild Sedation)
- Nitrous oxide sedation is administered as an inhaled gas through a small mask worn over the nose. The child breathes in the nitrous oxide and exhales it without metabolizing the gas, meaning it exits the body in the same form it entered. This sedation method is ideal for children with mild anxiety or when only a small amount of dental work is needed. Nitrous oxide works by altering nitrogen levels in the body, creating a light, happy sensation without putting your child to sleep. After switching to 100% oxygen, the effects wear off completely, leaving no residual side effects. As one of the safest sedation options available in both anesthesia and dentistry, nitrous oxide provides a gentle, effective way to ease your child’s dental experience.

IV Sedation (Deep Sedation)
- IV sedation is an excellent option for children who experience severe anxiety or require extensive dental treatment. Administered by a trained anesthesiologist, this method delivers anesthetic medication through an intravenous line. Depending on the child’s specific needs, a nasal breathing tube may be used for additional support, or the child may breathe on their own throughout the procedure.
- After IV sedation, your child should not return to school or engage in strenuous activities. It’s important to have a responsible adult at home to monitor them. While the sedation is mild and your child may appear back to normal, we still recommend limiting physical activity to quiet play to ensure a safe recovery.
O.R. Sedation Dentistry
- General anesthesia may be necessary for children who, due to age or maturity, cannot cooperate during dental procedures. For safety, it is always best performed in an operating room at a hospital or surgery center. Our Pediatric Sedation Dentistry practice, Littlegrins.org, specializes in providing this service

General anesthesia is most beneficial for:
- Infants
- Children requiring extensive dental treatment
- Children with extreme anxiety
- Children who are medically compromised or have special needs

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Pediatric Dental Sedation