Sedation Dentistry for Children in Central Jersey

The pediatric dentists at Tender Smiles 4 Kids provide sedation dentistry to patients in Freehold, Brunswick, Edison, Roselle and Ocean. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment at one of our 5 New Jersey offices.

Although today’s dentistry is nearly pain free, many children as well as adults are afraid of the dentist. Kids with dental phobias, along with those with certain special needs and those who are too young to fully understand their dental care, may benefit from pediatric sedation dentistry. It is also useful for those who need very lengthy or complex procedures. At Tender Smiles 4 Kids, we have special training in pediatric sedation dentistry.

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe for children. We follow all guidelines and best practices from the ADA and AAPD because patient safety is always our top priority. The most common type of dental sedation we use is nitrous oxide, which has no significant risks or side effects.

Nitrous oxide wears off in a matter of minutes, while it may take a few hours for your child to feel back to normal after general anesthesia. Before your child’s procedure, we will discuss what you can expect.

Laughing gas relaxes patients but has little effect on pain, which is why it's used in conjunction with local anesthesia. The two work together to keep your child comfortable and relaxed throughout their dental treatment.

Heavy or tingling sensations in the extremities, as well as lightheadedness, are the most typical side effects of nitrous oxide. Nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, chills, and sweating are less common side effects. The advantage of nitrous oxide over other forms of dental sedation is that the effects wear off as soon as the mask is removed from your child's nose.

No. With IV sedation, a patient feels as if they are sleeping through their procedure and they have no memory of it afterwards, but technically speaking, they are still conscious and breathing on their own. With general anesthesia, a patient is completely unconscious and breathing support may be needed. General anesthesia is only used in a hospital setting with an anesthesiology team.

Our practice focuses exclusively on pediatric dentistry, providing high-quality dental care tailored to children’s unique needs. As a trusted pediatric dentist, we offer sedation dentistry options—including oral sedation, IV sedation, and conscious sedation—to help children manage dental anxiety and achieve a positive dental experience. Whether your child needs routine dental procedures or more complex procedures, our trained professionals follow strict sedation guidelines and review your child's medical history to ensure every sedation appointment is safe and effective.

Pediatric sedation is ideal for dentistry for children who have difficulty sitting still, require complex dental procedures, or need deeper relaxation during their dental visits. Conscious sedation allows many children to remain awake while feeling calm and secure throughout the entire procedure. Our dental team is committed to your child’s safety, comfort, and well-being—delivering dental treatment recommendations in a stress free environment. As experienced pediatric dentists, we provide detailed instructions before every dental appointment and ensure sedation is safe for each individual case.

Trust our dental team to make your child’s dental work as smooth and comfortable as possible—so every visit supports your child’s comfort, builds confidence, and makes dental care a positive part of growing up.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.