Oral & IV Sedation
Our office offers both conscious oral and IV (intravenous) sedation options for anxious patients who have dental decay.
Our doctors and staff are highly trained in sedation protocols and emergency procedures. Oral sedation is administered in our office by Dr. Theriot and the patient is awake although lightly sedated during treatment. Patients are awake at the end of treatment but cannot go to school that day as it takes few hours for the medicine to completely clear the body. IV sedation is administered by our pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Bonn, and patients are asleep for all dental treatment. Patients are alert and aware leaving the office but cannot go back to school that day. Both options are available for our patients when needed.
What to Expect
At Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that some children may feel especially anxious or overwhelmed about dental treatment. That’s why we offer both conscious oral sedation and IV sedation options to help make their experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Conscious Oral Sedation
For this option, your child will take a prescribed medication before the procedure that helps them feel calm and relaxed—but still awake. They may feel drowsy or not remember the procedure, but they’ll remain responsive. Oral sedation is safely administered in our office by Dr. Theriot, and we closely monitor your child throughout the entire visit. After treatment, your child will need rest at home, as it can take several hours for the medicine to wear off completely.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is ideal for more extensive treatment or for children with higher levels of anxiety or special healthcare needs. It is safely administered by our board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist, Dr. Bonn, who stays with your child throughout the procedure. Your child will be fully asleep during treatment and wake up comfortably once it’s over. They’ll be alert by the time they leave, but they’ll still need to rest at home and will not be able to return to school that day.
Our Commitment to Safety and Comfort
Your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our entire team is specially trained in pediatric sedation protocols and emergency procedures, and we follow the highest standards of care at every step. We work closely with parents to choose the best sedation option based on your child’s individual needs, medical history, and treatment plan.
If you think sedation may be helpful for your child, please don’t hesitate to talk with Dr. Theriot. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through every part of the process.