Children’s Sedation Dentistry Loveland

Gentle, Safe Solutions for
Stress-Free Visits

At Pediatric Dentistry of Loveland, we understand that some children need extra support to feel comfortable during dental treatment. Whether they’re facing anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or complex procedures, our sedation options are designed to help kids genuinely relax while receiving the care they need safely, compassionately, and with full transparency.

Dr. Matthew and Dr. Katie are Board-Certified pediatric dentists with advanced training in sedation techniques for children, and they bring that same level of precision and empathy to every visit. As parents themselves, they also know how important it is for families to feel informed and confident in their child’s care!

Why We Might Recommend Sedation

Our goal is always to minimize stress, avoid trauma, and create a positive care experience that builds trust for future visits. We may suggest sedation dentistry for children who:

  • Experience a lot of fear or anxiety around dental visits
  • Have neurodiverse needs or sensory processing challenges
  • Require dental treatment that is overly complex or extensive
  • Are very young and unable to understand/cooperate with their treatment plan

What We Offer

We tailor sedation to each child’s specific age, health, and needs. We’ll walk families through every option, explain risks and benefits, and help parents ultimately choose what’s best for their child.

Nitrous oxide is a mild, fast-acting option that helps children feel calm and relaxed during the treatment process. It’s inhaled through a small mask, wears off quickly, and allows your child to return to their normal activities right after the visit.

General anesthesia is for children with severe anxiety, medical complexities, or extensive treatment needs. We offer general anesthesia in an in-office or hospital setting. Administered by a licensed anesthesiologist, this option allows children to sleep peacefully throughout the procedure while we complete all necessary care safely and efficiently.

Safety is Our Top Priority

  • All sedation procedures are performed with careful monitoring and age-appropriate protocols.
  • We follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and collaborate with licensed anesthesiologists for in-office care.
  • You’ll receive detailed pre- and post-op instructions, and we’re always available to answer your questions!

Expertise That Sets Us Apart

At Pediatric Dentistry of Loveland, we’re proud to be the only pediatric dental practice in Northern Colorado working directly with a Board-Certified pediatric anesthesiologist. This means your child receives care from a specialist with the highest level of training in pediatric anesthesia!

Our pediatric anesthesiologist completed medical school and a general anesthesiology residency, followed by advanced fellowship training at Children’s Hospital, where they gained deep expertise in caring for infants, children, and teens with complex medical and emotional needs. This specialized background ensures that every procedure is handled with precision, compassion, and age-appropriate safety protocols.

For families, this means you can experience peace of mind by knowing the following:

  • Your child is monitored by a pediatric expert throughout the entire procedure.
  • A dedicated pediatric nurse remains with your child, giving compassionate care until the very last moment of discharge.
  • Sedation is always tailored to your child’s developmental stage and medical history.
  • Thorough and personal pre-operative and post-operative care and instructions will be provided.

When it comes to general anesthesia, we believe families deserve more than convenience. They deserve the highest standard of care too!

What Parents Can Expect

We take time to explain every step of the process, from preparation to recovery, so you feel confident and supported. We’ll discuss your child’s medical history, emotional needs, and treatment goals to create a plan that feels right for your family. Below, you can read more about the expected timeline for sedation dentistry! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions or concerns.

“We believe sedation should never be a shortcut. It’s a tool for comfort, safety, and trust. And when used thoughtfully, it can transform a child’s experience.” — Dr. Matt

The Sedation Dentistry Timeline

Initial Consultation
1–2 weeks before treatment

  • We will review your child’s medical history, treatment goals, and emotional needs.
  • Dr. Matthew or Dr. Katie will explain the available sedation options and answer all of your questions.
  • You will receive written instructions that are tailored to your child’s unique care plan.

Pre-Visit Preparation
1–3 days before treatment

  • For nitrous oxide, there is no special preparation needed. We just recommend that your child eats a light meal beforehand.
  • For general anesthesia, we will provide detailed fasting instructions and details for anesthesia check-in.
  • Please talk to your child about what to expect using age-appropriate language.

Day of Treatment

Nitrous Oxide (In-Office)

  • Ensure your child is healthy and not congested the day of procedure to ensure proper breathing through mask and comfort.
  • Your child will wear a small mask and breathe in the calming gas.
  • Throughout the procedure, they will remain awake, relaxed, and able to respond.
  • The effects will wear off within minutes after the procedure.

General Anesthesia

  • This is administered by a licensed anesthesiologist inside our office or in a hospital setting.
  • Your child will sleep peacefully throughout the procedure.
  • Dr. Matthew or Dr. Katie will complete all of the necessary treatment in one visit.

Recovery & Aftercare

Nitrous Oxide

  • Your child can return to their normal activities right away.
  • Some mild grogginess or giggles may occur briefly.

General Anesthesia

  • Expect your child to be drowsy for several hours.
  • We will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including pain management, eating, and resting.
  • Most children recover fully within 24–48 hours.

Follow-Up & Support
1–2 weeks after treatment

  • We will check in on your child’s healing, comfort, and emotional response to the treatment.
  • You’re always welcome to reach out any time with questions or concerns!
  • Our goal is to ensure your child feels safe, proud, and ready for future visits.