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, pain-free one. What sets Tooth + Tongue apart is that our practice is led by Dr. Niki Boloorchi, a dentist and anesthesiologist, so your child's sedation is planned and monitored with hospital-level safety, right here in a warm, kid-friendly office.
About Sedation Dentistry
We understand that visiting the dentist can sometimes feel overwhelming for kids — especially when they’re little and have trouble sitting still. That’s where sedation dentistry can make a big difference.
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, crown, or another procedure, sedation allows our team to work carefully and comfortably while your child rests peacefully.
The best part? When the procedure is finished, your child won’t remember the treatment — they’ll simply wake up with their smile taken care of. This helps prevent dental anxiety, so future visits feel easier and more positive.
At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we’re here to make every experience gentle, safe, and reassuring. With sedation dentistry, we can give your child the care they need today while building confidence for tomorrow.
What's included?
Sedation dentistry can involve different techniques and medications depending on a patient’s medical history, age, and behavior.
To ensure safety, we begin with a specialty anesthesia consultation. During this visit, the anesthesiologist will review the child’s health history and determine the safest type of anesthesia for their needs.
Sedation and general anesthesia are especially helpful for young patients, as they allow children to sleep comfortably and undergo treatment without pain or stress. When they wake up, their treatment is complete, and their smile is cavity-free.
Our goal is not only to provide high-quality dental care, but also to create a positive experience—helping children avoid fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist in the future.
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.
Safety First: Why Parents Trust Our Sedation
Sedating a child is not something we take lightly — and our setup reflects that:
- A dental anesthesiologist on site. Dr. Boloorchi is specially trained in pediatric anesthesia, not just dentistry.
- A dedicated anesthesia consult before any sedation, reviewing your child's full medical history to choose the safest option.
- Two anesthesia providers in the room and advanced monitoring of breathing, heart rate, and oxygen throughout.
- Clear before-and-after guidance so you know exactly how to prepare and support your child's recovery.
Our goal is simple: safe, comfortable care that prevents dental fear from ever taking root.
What kind of sedation is used in pediatric dentistry?
The kind of sedation can vary based on the procedure, the child's age, and their overall health. Pediatric dentistry may involve nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia.
Is Nitrous Oxide safe?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the use of nitrous oxide as a safe way to help reduce anxiety and create analgesia, or the inability to feel pain. It's a really good sedation method for children who need fillings, crowns, or extractions, and it can reduce their fear of dental visits.
How safe is sedation dentistry for children?
For the average child, sedation dentistry is a safe, positive experience. If a child has special medical conditions, there can be potential risks. You should discuss your child’s medical conditions and medications with your doctor during your consultation appointment prior to sedation.
Is sedation covered by my insurance plan?
In some cases, sedation can be paid for by your insurance provider. Before the procedure, you can talk with our staff members about your insurance plan and the cost of sedation.
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