Pediatric Dental Services · Jackson, MI
Sedation Dentistry for Children
We use sedation when a child cannot safely complete needed care while awake. Depending on your child's age, anxiety, and the work being done, our team may use one or a combination of five tools: Versed, Atarax, Valium, nitrous oxide, and local anesthetic. Stabilization aids may also be used to keep your child still and safe during treatment.
What sedation medications do we use?
Each medication has a specific role. Some calm anxiety, some help with gagging, some reduce memory of the visit. The dentist will recommend the right combination for your child after reviewing their medical history and the planned treatment.
| Medication | How it is given | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Versed (Midazolam) | Liquid dose given by the dentist about 30 minutes before the procedure | Relaxes your child and decreases the memory of the visit. Most children stay awake and may still be fussy. Helps us complete the procedure safely. |
| Atarax (Hydroxyzine) | Sometimes given at home, sometimes given in the office | Antihistamine that calms and reduces anxiety. Our staff will give you specifics on dose and your preferred pharmacy if it is prescribed. |
| Valium (Diazepam) | Prescribed in advance and given at home one hour before the procedure | Sedative that calms and reduces anxiety before your child arrives at the office. |
| Nitrous Oxide / Oxygen (laughing gas) | Breathed through a small nasal mask during the procedure | Reduces anxiety and helps with pain control and gagging. Your child stays awake. Side effects are minimal (occasional nausea). Wears off in 3 to 10 minutes after the gas is turned off. |
| Local Anesthetic | Numbing injection at the treatment site | Used in combination with the medications above to ensure the procedure itself is painless. |
When is stabilization used?
To keep your child safe during treatment, we may need to use a stabilization aid. This can include a papoose board with a Velcro blanket wrapped around your child to limit movement, a mouth prop to help hold the mouth open, or an assistant gently holding your child's hands. We use the least restrictive option that still allows safe, complete care.
Who is sedation right for?
Sedation is considered when a child cannot complete needed care while fully awake. Common reasons we discuss it with parents:
- Severe dental anxiety or fear of the dentist
- Very young children who need extensive treatment
- Children with sensory differences, developmental differences, or special healthcare needs
- A strong gag reflex that interferes with treatment
- Multiple procedures planned for a single visit
What does a parent need to do?
A parent or legal guardian must be present in the office for the entire sedation visit. If a change in treatment is needed during the procedure, you will be asked to make a decision in real time, so we need you on site.
- Follow the pre-procedure feeding instructions exactly (your packet covers fasting times for each medication used)
- Tell us about every medication, supplement, or herbal remedy your child takes
- Tell us about any recent illness, especially upper respiratory infections or breathing problems in the last 2 weeks
- Dress your child in comfortable, loose clothing
- Bring a comfort item (stuffed animal, small blanket)
- Plan for one parent to drive your child home; a sedated child should not be left alone in a car seat
- Clear your child's schedule for the rest of the day. No school, no sports, no swimming, no climbing
What should I watch for after the visit?
Your child may be drowsy and unsteady for several hours after the appointment. Watch closely for any of the signs below and call us at (517) 787-1022 immediately if you see them. After-hours, head to the nearest emergency department.
- Trouble breathing or unusual drowsiness
- Persistent vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down
- Inability to wake your child from sleep
- Unusual swelling, rash, or any other reaction that worries you
Will my child remember the procedure?
It depends on the medication. Versed reduces memory significantly, so most children remember little of the visit. Atarax and Valium reduce anxiety more than memory; your child may remember parts of the appointment. Nitrous oxide alone usually leaves the visit clearly remembered but with the anxiety dialed down.
Common questions
- Will my child be fully asleep?
- Usually no. With Versed, Atarax, Valium, or nitrous oxide, your child will be relaxed but awake and able to respond. We do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia in our office. If your child needs that level of care, we will refer to a hospital-based team.
- Can my child still feel pain during sedation?
- Sedation calms anxiety and reduces awareness; it does not by itself eliminate pain. We always combine sedation with local anesthetic (numbing) for any procedure that would otherwise hurt.
- What happens if my child reacts unexpectedly?
- Our team monitors your child throughout the visit. If a reaction occurs we adjust treatment and consult with you in real time. That is why a parent must remain on site for the full appointment.
- Is the papoose board safe?
- Yes, when used appropriately. A papoose helps a young or anxious child stay still so we can work safely without the child injuring themselves on a sharp instrument. We use it for the shortest time necessary and only when other behavior management does not work.
- Is sedation covered by insurance?
- Coverage varies by plan. Nitrous oxide is sometimes covered, often not. Oral sedation (Versed, Atarax, Valium) is commonly covered when medically necessary, especially for patients with special needs or extensive treatment. We will help you understand cost before scheduling.
- How long do these medications stay in my child's system?
- Nitrous oxide is gone in 3 to 10 minutes after the gas is stopped. Versed, Atarax, and Valium each have several hours of effect; expect grogginess for the rest of the day.
Sources
- Use of Nitrous Oxide for Pediatric Dental Patients — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Guideline for Monitoring and Management of Pediatric Patients Before, During, and After Sedation — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry & American Academy of Pediatrics
- Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Protective Stabilization for Pediatric Dental Patients — American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Last medically reviewed: 2026-04-28. Reviewed by the clinical team at Jackson Pediatric Dentistry.
Schedule a visit at Jackson Pediatric Dentistry
Call us or request a time online. We will confirm an appointment that fits your family.