Sedation Dentistry for Children in Waipahu, HI

Our top priority is creating a positive dental experience for your child. At Keiki Smiles of Leeward, we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry options to ensure children and special-needs patients feel calm and comfortable during their visits.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a specialized service designed to make dental procedures stress-free for children and individuals with unique needs. It uses safe sedation techniques, such as nitrous oxide (commonly known as "laughing gas"), to help reduce anxiety and enhance comfort. By providing a relaxing experience, sedation dentistry allows patients to receive the dental care they need while remaining at ease throughout the treatment.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Reduces Anxiety and Fear: Dental visits can be stressful for children and those with sensory sensitivities. Sedation creates a calming environment, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Enhances Comfort: Treatments are completed with minimal discomfort, allowing your child to relax during procedures.
Ideal for Extensive Procedures: Sedation makes it easier to complete multiple treatments or longer procedures in one visit without stress or restlessness.
Safe for Children and Special-Needs Patients: Our experienced team ensures the highest safety standards, tailoring sedation to meet the unique needs of every patient.

Why Choose Keiki Smiles of Leeward?

Expert Pediatric Care: Our team, led by Dr. Audrey Rawson, specializes in compassionate dental care for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs.
Safe Sedation Techniques: We provide carefully monitored sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, ensuring your child’s safety and comfort throughout their visit.
Kid-Friendly Environment: Our office helps children feel at ease, featuring fun, interactive amenities and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Trusted by Honolulu Families: Our personalized approach to dental care has built strong relationships with local families, and we are proud to be a part of the Honolulu community.

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Procedures Offered

Nitrous Oxide: This mild and safe sedation method helps children relax during their dental treatment. Administered through a small mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide provides a calming effect without putting your child to sleep. Its effects wear off quickly, so your child can return to their daily activities soon after their visit.
Hospital Dentistry: We offer hospital dentistry for children with significant dental needs or heightened anxiety. Procedures are completed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable, safe, and stress-free experience for your child.

Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for children who experience dental anxiety, have difficulty sitting still, require extensive dental work, or have special health care needs. If you’re unsure whether sedation is right for your child, our team can assess their unique needs and recommend the best option.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia refers to a topical and/or injected anesthetic that will affect only the targeted area for a brief period of time to minimize or eliminate sensation or pain in that specific “localized” area during a dental procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your child’s nose. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide allows the patient to breathe normally through their nose, and within minutes they should start to feel the effects. They may feel light-headed or notice a tingling in their arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, they should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for your child.

General Anesthesia / Hospital Dentistry

IV Sedation, also called general anesthesia, uses medications to allow the patient to go to sleep while receiving dental treatment. Patients with high levels of anxiety or with special needs may benefit from IV Sedation. General anesthesia can also be a good option for patients with extensive tooth decay or for patients who are undergoing surgical dental procedures. The doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of general anesthesia to help you decide if this is a good choice for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when performed by experienced pediatric dental professionals. We carefully evaluate each child’s medical history and use the lowest effective dose to ensure comfort and safety.

How does nitrous oxide work?

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. It helps your child relax while staying awake and responsive. The effects wear off quickly once the procedure is complete.

Will my child feel anything during the procedure?

Sedation minimizes discomfort and anxiety. Your child may feel relaxed and calm, but will not experience discomfort during the procedure.

How should I prepare my child for sedation dentistry?

We’ll provide detailed pre-appointment instructions, which may include dietary restrictions and what to expect on the day of the visit.

How long does the sedation effect last?

Nitrous oxide wears off almost immediately after the mask is removed, so your child will quickly return to their normal state. Hospital dentistry under general anesthesia may have a longer recovery time, but we ensure proper post-procedure care instructions for a smooth recovery.

Can my child return to normal activities after sedation?

For nitrous oxide treatments, children can resume regular activities shortly after their visit. For hospital dentistry, we recommend a day of rest to recover from general anesthesia.

What types of dental procedures are done under sedation?

Sedation is helpful for a range of procedures, from cleanings for anxious children to more complex treatments like cavity fillings and extractions.

What if I have additional questions or concerns?

Our team is happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. Just call us, and we’ll explain everything you need to know.

Call Keiki Smiles of Leeward

Give your child the gift of a positive dental experience! Contact Keiki Smiles of Leeward today to learn more about our sedation dentistry options and book an appointment. We’re proud to help Honolulu families achieve happy, healthy smiles in a stress-free environment.

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