Sedation Dentistry

Amarillo Sedation Dentistry For Children

At Children's Dentistry of Amarillo, we understand that dental visits can sometimes be a stressful experience for children. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Billy Metcalf and Dr. Padilla, are committed to ensuring that your child feels safe, comfortable, and at ease during their dental procedures. That's why we offer sedation dentistry options for children who feel anxious or fearful about their dental visits, who struggle to sit still in the dental chair, or who need to undergo extensive dental work.

About Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedatives to help children relax during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental anxiety and fear, and for patients who cannot sit still. Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthesia used to put patients to sleep. Endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA), sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to transform a potentially stressful experience into a comfortable and positive one. The types of procedures often requiring sedation include:

  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Root canals
  • Periodontal treatments

Before your child is given a sedative or anesthetic, it is important that you tell us about any medications or medical treatments your child is receiving. Prior to administering a sedative or anesthetic, your pediatric dentist will talk with you about the process of sedation and pre- and post-sedation instructions.

The Types of Sedation We Offer

At Children’s Dentistry of Amarillo, we offer several types of sedation dentistry in Amarillo to best fit each child’s individual needs, including:

  • Oral Conscious Sedation: This type of sedation involves taking a sedative in pill or liquid form. Patients who receive oral conscious sedation can still speak and respond to questions during treatment and express any discomfort or pain they may be having, although they may remember little or nothing about the procedure. The side effects include headache, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide sedation is often used to help fearful or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered via a small mask that fits over the nose. Because nitrous oxide is a mild sedative, patients can talk to their dentist during the procedure. Once the treatment is finished, we turn off the gas and administer oxygen for a few minutes to help clear away the remaining nitrous oxide. The effects wear off quickly and there are rarely any side effects, although some patient may experience minor nausea or constipation.
  • IV Sedation: Intravenous (IV) sedation involves administering a dose of sedatives directly into the bloodstream via an IV. Once the sedative is administered, the patient quickly calms down, allowing the dentist to perform the needed procedure. This type of sedation is highly effective for patients who are very fearful or anxious about their dental visits. IV sedation also acts as an amnesiac, which results in the patient not remembering the dental procedure afterward, even though he/she was conscious and responsive during the procedure.
  • General Anesthesia: This type of sedation involves administering medication that puts the patient into a deep sleep or an unconscious state. General anesthesia is the same type of sedation used when removing tonsils. It is most commonly used for:
  • Patients who are extremely anxious or fearful
  • Patients requiring extensive dental treatment
  • Patients who are unable to cooperate or follow directions
  • Patients with uncontrollable body movements
  • Patients needing several dental procedures done at the same time

Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry for Kids

What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help children relax during dental procedures. Dr. Metcalf or Dr. Padilla will explain the process and determine the best sedation option for your child.


Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes. When administered by experienced professionals, sedation dentistry is safe for children. The health and safety of your child is our utmost priority, and we adhere to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's guidelines for sedation.

What types of sedation are used in pediatric dentistry?
The types of sedation used in pediatric dentistry include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and in some cases, general anesthesia. The type of sedation used will depend on the child's level of anxiety and the nature of the dental procedure.

Will my child feel any pain during the procedure?
One of the key objectives of sedation dentistry is to minimize discomfort and pain. With sedation, many children will have little to no memory of the procedure and will feel relaxed throughout.

How should my child prepare for sedation dentistry?
Preparation depends on the type of sedation. For instance, with oral sedation and general anesthesia, your child may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Dr. Metcalf or Dr. Padilla will provide specific instructions based on your child's course of treatment.

What is the recovery process like after sedation dentistry?
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of sedation used. Most children recover from nitrous oxide and oral sedation within a few hours. We will provide post-procedure instructions and support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Remember, our team at Amarillo Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer any questions you have about sedation dentistry for your child. We believe that with the right approach, every child can have a positive and comfortable dental experience.

Contact Your Amarillo Kids Dentist

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry or would like to know more about our practice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metcalf, please call our office at (806) 351-0008 or request an appointment online.