Why Sedation is Sometimes the Best Tool
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is our most conservative and common option. Your child breathes a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a small "nose mask."
How it works:
It raises the "pain threshold" and creates a sense of well-being.
The Experience:
They remain fully awake and can talk to us the whole time.
The Benefit:
It wears off in minutes once we switch back to pure oxygen. Your child can go right back to school or play after their visit.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Recommended for children who are particularly anxious or need a bit more help staying still.
The Process:
Your child drinks a small amount of liquid medication before their appointment.
The Feeling:
They will become very drowsy and relaxed. While they aren't "asleep," they often drift off into a light nap and usually have little to no memory of the dental work.
IV Sedation & General Anesthesia
For complex cases or severe dental phobias, we partner with a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist.
The Process:
This is done right here in our office. The anesthesiologist monitors your child’s vitals (heart rate, oxygen, and breathing) while Dr. Raya focuses solely on the dental work.
The Benefit:
Your child sleeps peacefully and wakes up with their dental work complete and no memory of the procedure.
Tips for a Smooth Sedation Day
Safety is Our North Star
As a Board-Certified specialist, Dr. Raya’s sedation protocols meet the highest national standards for pediatric safety.
We monitor every child closely, and our team is fully trained in emergency response. You are never alone in this process—we are with your child every second.
