VA: 703-752-2200 | DC: 202-331-3474
Más de 30 años al servicio de las familias de McLean, Virginia y Washington, D.C.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry in Washington, DC
Safe, Gentle Options to Help Children Feel Comfortable at the Dentist
Serving Families in Washington, DC
When Does a Child Need Sedation for Dental Work?
Of course, sometimes children are unable to tolerate necessary pediatric dental treatments with behavior guidance alone. When this happens, pediatric dental sedation can be a safe and effective tool for minimizing the patient’s discomfort and anxiety and/or controlling the patient’s behavior so that necessary dental procedures can be completed safely.
Every child is different. Some children may feel anxious, have a strong gag reflex, or require more extensive dental treatment. In these situations, sedation can help create a calm, controlled, and positive experience.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Options in Washington, DC
At Beverly Pediatric Dentistry, we offer carefully selected sedation options based on your child’s individual needs, comfort level, and medical history.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a very safe and widely used sedative in pediatric dentistry. It allows mildly anxious children to feel calm and relaxed while remaining awake and able to communicate with the dentist.
The gas is administered through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. It begins working within minutes, and the effects wear off quickly after the procedure, allowing your child to return to normal activities the same day.
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation options available and can be adjusted throughout the procedure for your child’s comfort.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation can be a safe and effective option for young patients who have difficulty wearing the laughing gas mask or who need a slightly deeper level of relaxation for shorter procedures.
However, not all children are ideal candidates for oral sedation. If your child has difficulty tolerating dental treatment with nitrous oxide, we will carefully evaluate their needs to determine whether oral sedation is appropriate.
General Anesthesia (Hospital Setting)
For children who require extensive dental treatment or are unable to tolerate care with other sedation methods, general anesthesia may be recommended.
General anesthesia allows your child to be fully asleep during the procedure, with no pain and no memory of the treatment.
While we do not perform general anesthesia in our office, we work closely with trusted hospital partners in the Washington, DC area and will guide you through the referral process if this option is needed. We will also discuss the benefits, risks, and safety considerations in detail to help you make an informed decision.
How We Choose the Right Sedation Option
We take a personalized approach to your child’s care. Before recommending any form of sedation, we consider:
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Your child’s age and developmental level
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Level of dental anxiety
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Type and length of the procedure
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Medical history and overall health
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Previous dental experiences
Our goal is always to use the least invasive, safest option that allows treatment to be completed comfortably and successfully.
Safety Comes First
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Sedation techniques used in pediatric dentistry are supported by established clinical guidelines and have an excellent safety record when administered by trained professionals.
We carefully review your child’s medical history, monitor them closely during treatment, and ensure that every precaution is taken to provide a safe and comfortable experience.
After Your Child's Sedation Appointment: What to Expect
Whether your child received nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or conscious oral sedation, the recovery experience will vary depending on the type of sedation used.
After nitrous oxide (laughing gas):
Nitrous oxide wears off quickly once the mask is removed. Most children feel completely normal within minutes and are able to return to their regular activities immediately after the appointment.
Occasionally, some children may feel mildly lightheaded or nauseated for a short time after treatment. These symptoms are typically brief and resolve on their own.
After conscious oral sedation:
Children who receive oral conscious sedation will remain drowsy for several hours after treatment. Your child may need assistance walking and should be closely supervised for the remainder of the day.
Plan for a quiet day at home. Your child should not return to school, daycare, sports, or other physical activities until the following day unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Mohammadi.
During the first few hours after sedation:
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Only offer clear liquids or very soft foods until your child is fully alert and swallowing normally
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Keep your child in a supervised, safe environment — no stairs, climbing, or unsupervised activity while any drowsiness remains
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Do not give any additional medications unless directed by Dr. Mohammadi
Nausea: Mild nausea is a common side effect of oral sedation. If your child feels nauseous, keep them calm and upright. Small sips of clear liquid can help. If vomiting occurs, keep your child on their side and call our office for guidance.
When to call us: Contact our office immediately if your child is difficult to awaken, has trouble breathing or is breathing unusually, is vomiting repeatedly, or if you have any concerns about their condition after returning home.
Serving Families Across Washington, DC
Our Washington, DC office proudly serves children and families in:
Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Kalorama, West End, Logan Circle, and Woodley Park.
We are committed to providing compassionate, specialized pediatric dental care in a welcoming and child-friendly environment.
Schedule Your Child’s Visit
If your child feels anxious about dental treatment or has difficulty sitting through procedures, sedation dentistry may help create a more positive and stress-free experience.
Contact our Washington, DC office today to learn more or schedule an appointment:
Phone: 202-331-3474
Address: 1426 21st NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20036