Practice Limited to Pediatric DentistrySedation Dentistry – Grayslake, IL
A Relaxing Visit
Every Time
Why Choose Kids Dentist
for Sedation Dentistry?
- 26+ Years of Experience Serving Grayslake and Lake County Families
-
Sedation
Options
Personalized
for Each
Child -
Nitrous Oxide
Sedation
Available
for Any
Procedure
You do not need to be a pediatric dentist to understand that some children aren’t exactly fans of dental care. In fact, some are downright terrified of it! If just the thought of going to the dentist is enough to make your child upset, then sedation dentistry might be exactly what they need to finally put those nerves to rest. We offer safe and effective methods of sedation dentistry in our Grayslake, IL dental office that can be suited to every child, and you can learn more about their options by calling us today.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
You’ve probably heard nitrous oxide sedation referred to as “laughing gas,” and this is because it causes a slightly tingly sensation that makes many of our little patients giggle. Fortunately, it is also able to calm racing thoughts, create an overall feeling of wellness, and it has a slight analgesic effect as well. It is a safe method that has been used for many years. We recommend it for children of all ages, as well as children who struggle with anxiety, overexcitement, or who have special needs that can find dental appointments challenging. The odorless gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small nasal mask. This stays in place during an entire appointment, helping a child feel warm, calm, and slightly numb all over. When the visit is over and the mask is removed, a child will feel normal within a few minutes and be able to resume their regular day.
Learn More About Nitrous Oxide
General Anesthesiology
While nitrous oxide is usually enough to relax your child during most oral procedures, there are times when being awake may produce a difficult or even traumatic experience. If a child is especially young, anxious, or has special physical or mental needs—or if the procedure is more severe—then general anesthesia may be a better option. After all, the last thing we want is to encourage a lifelong fear of dentists!
Unlike the conscious sedation from nitrous oxide, general anesthesia renders your child completely asleep—the same as if they were having tonsils removed, an ear tube inserted, or other forms of surgery. This provides the double benefit of ensuring they are completely unaware of their treatment while retaining no memory of it afterward.
Anesthesia is administered in the comfort of our dental office by a board-certified anesthesiologist with over 30 years of experience, making the procedure extremely safe. Following the treatment, we will provide you with the necessary dietary and home care instructions to ensure your child’s swift recovery and help maintain healthy dental habits. If you have any questions or concerns regarding treatment under general anesthesia, our team will be happy to help.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes! When administered by an experienced sedation dentist for children, options like nitrous oxide are very safe. At Kids Dentist, our team has over 26 years of experience helping children feel calm and comfortable in the chair.
Nitrous oxide is one of the most widely used and well-studied sedation methods in dentistry, with a pristine track record at our practice. That said, we’ll always conduct an evaluation of your child and look at their medical history before recommending sedation. This ensures they’re a good candidate and keeps their safety at the top of our list.
Will my child remember anything with dental sedation?
With nitrous oxide, children stay awake and aware throughout their appointment, so they'll likely remember most of it. The real difference is how their visit feels. Instead of being tense and overwhelmed, they’ll feel calm, pleasant, and much less intimidated.
For many anxious children, this shift in experience is exactly what breaks the cycle of dental fear. Rather than leaving with a stressful memory, they walk out after a genuinely easy time, which makes the next visit something to look forward to.
What does it feel like to be sedated at the dentist?
Most children describe nitrous oxide as a warm, tingly, floaty sensation, as if they’re transforming into a teddy bear. They may even become a bit giggly, which is exactly why it's nicknamed laughing gas! Anxious thoughts quiet down, the room feels more inviting, and many kids end up smiling all the way through their appointment.
The best part is that children stay fully awake and can respond to our team the whole time. So, even if they do see, hear, or feel something uncomfortable, they can tell us right away. When the mask comes off, the effects wear off within minutes, and your child can go right back to their normal day.
Can dental sedation make kids sick?
Nitrous oxide is generally very well-tolerated by children and rarely causes nausea. That said, it can occasionally happen—most often if a child has eaten a large meal shortly before their appointment.
To keep things comfortable, we recommend having your child eat a light meal a few hours beforehand rather than arriving on a full stomach. If you have any concerns about how your child might respond, our Grayslake team is happy to talk it through with you ahead of time. Contact us any time before the appointment, and we'll be glad to help set your mind at ease.