Pediatric Sedation Dentistry in Miami
At Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer three levels of sedation to help every child receive dental care safely and comfortably: minimal sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.
Every patient is evaluated first by Dr. Abarca at our office at 1330 Coral Way, Suite 406, Miami, FL 33145.
Understanding the Three Levels of Sedation
The level of sedation is selected after considering the child’s age, anxiety, ability to cooperate, medical history, and the length and complexity of the dental procedure.
Minimal Sedation
The child breathes nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” through a small nasal mask and remains completely awake throughout the procedure. It is an option for children with mild anxiety who are still able to cooperate during dental treatment.
Moderate Sedation
The child takes an oral sedative medication that is generally combined with nitrous oxide. It may be recommended for children with greater anxiety who need shorter, less complex procedures, such as a simple dental extraction.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation can be achieved through two distinct methods: intravenous (IV) deep sedation performed in a dental office or general anesthesia performed in a hospital. In both settings, your child is completely asleep and is continuously monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure their safety throughout the procedure. At Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide in-office IV deep sedation with a dedicated board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist, as well if your child is not a candidate for in-office deep sedation, then they can be seen by our pediatric dentist via general anesthesia at the hospital.
When Might Sedation Be Considered?
Sedation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may be discussed when a child needs additional support to complete dental care comfortably and safely.
- Mild or significant anxiety about dental treatment.
- Limited ability to cooperate because of the child’s age.
- A short procedure that requires additional help with relaxation.
- Extensive dental needs that may require a longer treatment visit.
- A clinical situation in which Dr. Abarca recommends an anesthesia evaluation.
How Deep Sedation May Be Provided
For children who need advanced sedation or anesthesia care, the treatment setting depends on the clinical and anesthesia evaluations.
In-Office IV Deep Sedation
A board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist comes to our Miami office to administer and monitor the IV sedation while our dental team completes the treatment. Children from two years of age may be candidates, but eligibility is confirmed only after the required evaluations.
General Anesthesia at the Hospital
If the child is not an appropriate candidate for in-office IV sedation, treatment may be completed under general anesthesia at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This decision is based on the evaluation by Dr. Abarca and the anesthesia team.
How the Sedation Recommendation Is Made
Families do not need to choose a sedation level on their own. The recommendation is made after reviewing the child’s specific situation.
Dr. Abarca first evaluates the child at Little Champions Dental.
Age, anxiety, cooperation, medical history, and dental needs are considered.
The length and complexity of the dental procedure help guide the recommendation.
For IV sedation or hospital care, the anesthesia team confirms candidacy.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry FAQs
These answers explain the differences between the options offered by Little Champions Dental and what families should expect before a recommendation is made.
Does every child need general anesthesia for dental treatment?
No. Little Champions Dental offers minimal, moderate, and deep sedation options. The appropriate recommendation depends on the child’s age, anxiety level, ability to cooperate, medical history, and the complexity of the treatment.
Will my child be awake with nitrous oxide?
Yes. With minimal sedation using nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, the child remains awake and can respond during the procedure.
How is moderate sedation provided?
Moderate sedation is provided with an oral sedative medication and is generally combined with nitrous oxide. It may be recommended for children with greater anxiety who need shorter, less complex procedures.
Who administers in-office IV sedation?
A board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist comes to the office to administer and monitor the IV sedation while the dental team completes the treatment.
Can a two-year-old be considered for IV sedation?
Children from two years of age may be candidates, but age alone does not determine eligibility. Every child must first be evaluated by Dr. Abarca, and the anesthesia team confirms whether in-office IV sedation is appropriate.
When is general anesthesia performed at the hospital?
If a child is not an appropriate candidate for in-office IV sedation, based on the evaluations by Dr. Abarca and the anesthesia team, treatment may be completed under general anesthesia at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
What Miami Families Say About Little Champions
Schedule a Pediatric Sedation Evaluation in Miami
Visit Little Champions Pediatric Dentistry at 1330 Coral Way, Suite 406, Miami, FL 33145. Our team can explain the available options and arrange the initial evaluation with Dr. Abarca.