sedation

Using Sedation at the Pediatric Dentist

April 5th, 2021

If your child needs to undergo certain procedures, we may recommend sedation. We know lots of parents have questions about how sedation works. Here are some facts about pediatric dentistry and sedation.



Sedation refers to the use of relaxation techniques to accomplish more comfortable treatment. Sedation is used to make patients feel more comfortable and calm during treatment. The pediatric dentists at Northwest Children's Dentistry recommend sedation for things like major treatments, low pain tolerance, and sometimes for dental anxiety.

There are several different types of sedation. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative commonly used during dental visits. IV sedation, also called a sleep visit, involves putting the patient to sleep so they are unconscious during their treatment.

Sedation is safe and endorsed by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Our staff always takes the time to explain why we recommend sedation and will answer any questions parents have about its use.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Sedation Dentistry

January 18th, 2018

At Northwest Children's Dentistry, we receive a lot of questions from parents, especially when a child needs a dental procedure.  Some of the most common questions revolve around sedation.

Sedation dentistry is the use of relaxation techniques to accomplish more comfortable dental treatment.  Sedation dentistry is safe and endorsed by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.  Our pediatric dentists may suggest sedation dentistry for a variety of reasons, including during a major treatment, dental anxiety, low pain tolerance, trouble holding still, or for special needs patients.

The two most common types of sedation we use at our office is nitrous oxide (commonly known as “laughing gas”) or IV sedation, where the child is put to sleep.

If we recommend sedation dentistry, we will always sit down with you and explain why we recommend it.  As a parent, you will know what you can expect and have ample opportunity to ask us questions about any procedures done on your child.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Sedation and Pediatric Dentistry

June 16th, 2016

At Northwest Children's Dentistry, we pride ourselves on emphasizing prevention and good dental hygiene.  Having good dental habits will go a long ways to avoid any procedures at our office.  But even the most vigilant parent will sometimes have a child who needs a dental treatment.

In many cases, sedation is not needed for dental procedures.  However, if your child has a high need for a procedure and has trouble sitting still, has low pain tolerance, has special needs, or depending on the treatment, we may recommend sedation.  Sedation dentistry is safe and endorsed by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

The two most common types of sedation we use at our office is nitrous oxide (commonly known as "laughing gas") or IV sedation, where the child is put to sleep.  If we recommend IV sedation, we will always take the time to sit down with you and explain why we recommend it and what you can expect, along with providing you forms to take home and think about.  As a parent, you will always be welcome to be with the child if we administer IV sedation.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to take care of all your children's dental needs.  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.