If your child feels anxious about the dentist, or needs extensive treatment, sedation dentistry in Walnut Creek can turn a stressful visit into a calm, comfortable one. What sets Tooth + Tongue apart is that our practice is led by Dr. Niki Boloorchi, a dentist and dental anesthesiologist, so your child's sedation is planned and monitored with hospital-level safety protocols, right here in a warm, kid-friendly office.
About sedation dentistry for kids
Visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming for kids, especially when they are little and have trouble sitting still. Sedation is a safe and gentle way to help children relax so they can receive the care they need without stress or fear. Whether your child needs a filling, a crown, or another procedure, sedation lets our team work carefully while your child rests comfortably.
With deeper levels of sedation, your child won't remember the treatment; they simply wake up with their smile taken care of. This helps prevent dental anxiety, so future visits feel easier and more positive.
Who sedation dentistry helps
- Young children who cannot sit still long enough for treatment
- Anxious children or kids who have had a difficult dental experience before
- Children who need extensive treatment, such as several fillings, crowns, or extractions, that can be completed in one visit
- Children with special needs, including autism, sensory processing differences, ADHD, or complex medical histories. Read about our sensory-friendly approach for special needs kids.
- Children having a tongue or lip tie release who need extra support to stay calm. See our CO2 laser tongue tie release.
Sedation without a trip to the hospital
Because anesthesia is managed in-house by a dental anesthesiologist, many children who need IV sedation or general anesthesia can be treated safely in our office instead of being referred to a hospital operating room, with all the logistics, cost, and extra stress that involves. If a child has risk factors that might require an overnight stay, we refer them to a hospital setting.
Meet your child's dental anesthesiologist
Dr. Niki Boloorchi, DDS, is the practice's Dental and Anesthesia Director. She earned her DDS with honors from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and completed a dental anesthesiology residency at Loma Linda University. She is a Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and is BLS, ACLS, and PALS certified. A dental anesthesiologist is a dentist with additional hospital-based residency training in anesthesia, which adds a layer of safety for young, anxious, or special-needs children. Read Dr. Boloorchi's full bio.
Have questions first? Read our articles on whether general anesthesia is safe for your child's dental work and why a pediatric dentist with an anesthesiologist matters.
What's included?
Sedation dentistry can involve different techniques and medications depending on your child's medical history, age, and behavior. Every sedation visit follows the same safety-first process.
1. Anesthesia consultation
Before any sedation, we do a dedicated anesthesia consultation with a physical exam and a full review of your child's health history and medications. The anesthesiologist then recommends the safest type of sedation for your child's needs and the treatment planned.
2. Preparing for the visit
You receive clear written instructions on how to prepare your child, including when to stop eating and drinking before the appointment, so you know exactly what to expect on the day.
3. Treatment day
Two anesthesia providers are in the room for sedation, and your child's breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout. Our office is equipped for sedation safety, including a fully stocked emergency cart with backup supplies.
4. Recovery
Your child is never left unattended after the procedure. Our team monitors your child as they wake up and gives you clear aftercare guidance before you head home.
Types of sedation we offer
Every child is different, so we match the method to their age, health, anxiety level, and the treatment needed:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): mild, fast-acting relaxation; your child stays awake and the effects wear off within minutes. Ideal for cleanings, fillings, and mild anxiety.
- Oral sedation: a measured dose that keeps your child calm and drowsy but responsive, for moderate anxiety or longer visits.
- IV sedation: a deeper, closely monitored level of relaxation for complex procedures or significant dental fear.
- General anesthesia: full sedation for extensive treatment or children with special healthcare needs, delivered in a controlled, carefully monitored setting.
Sedation dentistry cost and insurance
The cost of sedation depends on the type of sedation and how long the treatment takes, so we confirm it after the anesthesia consultation. Some dental plans cover part of the cost of sedation. Before the procedure, our team reviews your plan and explains any out-of-pocket cost so there are no surprises. We accept Delta Dental, Medi-Cal Dental, and most major PPO plans; see our insurance page for details.
What kind of sedation is used in pediatric dentistry?
It varies by procedure, the child's age, and overall health. Options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, and our dental anesthesiologist recommends the safest option after a consultation.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
Yes. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide as a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety and discomfort for children needing fillings, crowns, or extractions.
How safe is sedation dentistry for children?
For most children it is a safe, positive experience. At Tooth + Tongue, sedation is planned by a dental anesthesiologist after a consultation, two anesthesia providers are present, and your child is monitored throughout. Children with risk factors that might need an overnight stay are referred to a hospital setting.
Is sedation covered by my insurance plan?
In some cases, sedation is covered. Our team reviews your plan and explains any out-of-pocket cost before the procedure.
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