Sedation Dentistry in Lehi, UT
For some children, a dental visit can feel overwhelming. At Alpine Kids Dentistry, our pediatric sedation dentistry options help anxious children, those who struggle to cooperate, and patients with special needs receive the care they need in a calm, comfortable way.
Whether your child is treated in our office or a hospital facility, sedation allows them to receive high-quality dental care without the stress or discomfort often associated with a dental visit. Our Lehi, UT team follows the safety guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and discusses every option with you in detail.
When Might Sedation Be Recommended?
Sedation is often helpful for procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions and space maintainers, and even cleanings and exams for children who need extra support.
Our Sedation Options
We offer several options tailored to your child’s needs.
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”): Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small nasal mask and helps children feel relaxed while remaining awake and able to respond. It has a rapid onset, wears off almost immediately, and offers benefits like reduced anxiety, pain relief, and an altered sense of time. It is one of the safest sedation methods available.
In-Office Conscious Sedation: For certain short, invasive procedures, our dentist may use a mild oral sedative appropriate to your child’s age and weight. These short-acting medications reduce anxiety and often produce an amnesia effect, so children typically don’t remember the procedure. Specific pre-appointment instructions, including fasting guidelines, will be reviewed with you.
In-Office General Anesthesia: For children with severe anxiety, special needs, or extensive dental needs, general anesthesia allows your child to sleep through treatment. While there is some risk, it is safe when administered by an appropriately trained provider, and our dentist will discuss the risks and benefits with you in detail.
Is Sedation Safe?
Sedation dentistry is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective way to keep children comfortable during dental care. Before any sedative is administered, our dentist will review the process and provide pre- and post-sedation instructions. Request an appointment or call 801-377-5437.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes. Sedation is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as a safe, effective way to keep children comfortable. We follow strict safety guidelines for every patient.
What sedation options do you offer?
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), in-office conscious sedation with mild oral medication, and in-office general anesthesia, depending on your child’s needs and treatment.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a nasal mask. It helps children relax while staying awake and responsive, and it wears off almost immediately.
Will my child remember the procedure?
With conscious sedation, many children don’t remember the procedure due to a mild amnesia effect. Nitrous oxide keeps children relaxed but awake, while general anesthesia lets them sleep.
Does my child need to fast before sedation?
For oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, fasting is typically required. We’ll give you specific pre-appointment instructions, and not following them may require rescheduling.
Which children are candidates for sedation?
Sedation helps children with dental anxiety, difficulty cooperating, special healthcare needs, or extensive treatment needs receive care comfortably and safely.
How will I know which option is right for my child?
Our pediatric dentist evaluates your child’s age, anxiety level, health history, and treatment needs, then discusses the safest, most appropriate option with you before treatment.