If your child feels scared or anxious about going to the dentist, we offer sedation dentistry so they can get the care they deserve.

Sedation Dentistry

There’s nothing worse than when your child is scared or feeling anxious. As a parent, all you want to do is keep them safe, happy, and healthy. An important part of keeping them healthy is making sure they make regular visits to their pediatric dentist; this gives them the best chance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

But what if your child is scared to go to the dentist or needs numerous procedures?

Fortunately, our pediatric dental office offers sedation dentistry, putting your mind at ease and helping your child get the comfortable care they need.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?

There are numerous reasons sedation dentistry may be a good option for your child. Some of the benefits of dental sedation include the following:

Reduces Fear and Anxiety

Sedation dentistry helps your child relax and calms their nerves, allowing us to provide the care they need and restore their oral health.

Increases Patient Comfort

With dental sedation, your child will experience less discomfort and be less sensitive to the sounds and smells in our dental office.

Improves Patient Cooperation

If your child fidgets or has difficulty sitting still, sedation dentistry can make them more cooperative so we can provide treatment.

Creates Positive Experiences

We never want your child to be fearful of us, and dental sedation can go a long way toward building their confidence about dental visits.

Testimonial

Excellent aftercare with the waking up process from anesthesia.

Dr. D took great care of my two kids teeth. He saved all of my sons teeth and showed excellent aftercare with the waking up process from anesthesia. Great with kids, facility is well taken care of. I'd definitely recommend Summitview Pediatric Dentistry.
-Tesia

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What Types of Sedation Dentistry Do You Offer?

When it comes to dental care for your child, we pride ourselves on giving parents as many treatment options as possible. One way we do that is by offering two different types of dental sedation.

Which option is right for your child depends on the type of procedure they need, their anxiety level, and whether they have special needs.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide puts your child into a relaxed state. They’ll be awake for their procedure, but they’ll feel happy and content. To administer nitrous oxide, we place a mask over your child’s nose; once they inhale the odorless gas, the effects occur quickly. But when we remove the mask, the effects dissipate within a few minutes. Most children are back to normal, able to run around and play, or return to school after their appointment.

General Anesthesia

For a much deeper state of sedation, we work closely with an anesthesiologist who comes to our dental office to administer general anesthesia. We recommend general anesthesia for more extensive dental procedures or if your child has severe anxiety or special needs. With general anesthesia, your child will be completely asleep during their treatment and have no memory of their dental procedures. Our anesthesiologist carefully monitors your child’s heartbeat, blood pressure, and oxygen levels before, during, and after treatment, ensuring their safety.

Once they wake up, we’ll continue to monitor their vital signs and provide detailed instructions on caring for them when you get home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous when thinking about your child receiving sedation at the dentist. As a parent, your first instinct is to protect them from fear, discomfort, or anything that might seem risky.

Our dental team understands these concerns and prioritizes your child’s safety and comfort.

The reassuring answer is yes: sedation dentistry is safe for children. Our practice offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation and general anesthesia for more complex or extensive procedures.

Nitrous oxide allows children to remain awake and responsive while feeling calm and comfortable, and it wears off quickly after treatment. General anesthesia is reserved for procedures that require complete relaxation and is administered with full monitoring for safety.

How We Ensure Safe Sedation for Children

Every child’s safety is our top priority. Here’s what we do to make sedation safe and effective:

Comprehensive medical review before any sedation
Tailored sedation plans based on age, weight, and anxiety level
Continuous monitoring of vital signs during the procedure
Experienced pediatric dental staff trained in sedation and emergency protocols
Calm, supportive environment to reduce stress before, during, and after treatment

Parents are always informed and involved, and we provide clear post-procedure instructions to ensure smooth recovery. Our approach combines safety, precision, and reassurance so that children leave with healthy teeth and positive memories.

Want to Learn More About Sedation Dentistry?

Your child doesn’t need to fear the dentist to receive essential care.

Contact Summitview Pediatric Dentistry in Yakima today to discuss sedation options and schedule a comfortable, safe dental visit that meets your child’s unique needs.

Will my child be asleep during their procedure?

The thought of your child undergoing dental work can naturally create worry and anxiety. As a parent, you want them to be safe, comfortable, and free from fear. At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we understand these emotions and strive to make every procedure as gentle and stress-free as possible.

Whether your child is nervous, undergoing a more complex treatment, or simply needs a little extra relaxation, our goal is to ensure they feel safe, supported, and cared for from start to finish.

Nitrous Oxide vs. General Anesthesia: What to Expect

At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we offer two main types of sedation to help children feel comfortable during dental procedures:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Here’s what you can expect from nitrous oxide:

Your child remains awake and responsive.
It helps reduce anxiety and fear, promoting a calm experience.
It wears off quickly after treatment, allowing your child to return to normal activities almost immediately.
Nitrous oxide is ideal for routine procedures such as fillings, cleanings, and minor treatments.

General Anesthesia

If general anesthesia is necessary:

Your child is fully asleep and unaware during the procedure.
They are continuously monitored by trained pediatric dental professionals for maximum safety.
This type of sedation is typically used for more complex or multiple procedures in a single visit.
General anesthesia ensures complete comfort for children who are very anxious or have special healthcare needs.

Both options are safe when administered by experienced staff and tailored to your child’s age, weight, and medical history. We always review your child’s health, explain the process, and answer any questions so you feel confident in the care we provide.

Schedule a Comfortable and Safe Dental Procedure Today

Every child deserves a stress-free dental experience. If you’d like to discuss sedation options and schedule a procedure that keeps your child safe, comfortable, and calm, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (509) 966-4433.

OUR TEAM

Questions for Our Dental Team?

If you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry, our caring team will happily assist you! At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, our goal is to provide your child with comfortable, stress-free care while helping them achieve healthy teeth and gums.

We’re here to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. Feel free to reach out to us at (509) 966-4433 for more information or to schedule a consultation.