Sedation Dentistry for Kids in Boerne, TX

Some children feel anxious about dental visits, and others need extensive treatment that is hard to complete while they are awake. That is why The Kid's Place offers multiple levels of sedation dentistry, so every child can get the care they need in a comfortable, stress-free setting.

Dr. Michael K. Wilkerson has over 30 years of experience providing sedation for pediatric dental patients. We review each child's needs and medical history before recommending the most appropriate option. Your child's comfort and safety are always our top priority.

Which Children Benefit from Sedation?

Sedation dentistry isn't just for anxious children. It can help in many situations:

• Dental anxiety or fear: children who are nervous about dental procedures
• Young children: toddlers and young kids who have difficulty sitting still
• Extensive treatment: several procedures that can be completed in one visit
• Special needs: children with developmental or behavioral challenges
• Sensitive gag reflex: children who have difficulty with dental instruments
• Previous negative experiences: children who have had a hard time at the dentist before

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, often called "laughing gas," is the mildest form of sedation we offer. It is an option for children with mild to moderate dental anxiety.

How it works: your child breathes a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over the nose. Within minutes they feel relaxed and happy (some kids even get the giggles!). They stay awake and can talk with us the whole time.

• Takes effect within 3 to 5 minutes
• Easily adjusted during the procedure
• Wears off quickly, with no lingering effects
• No needles needed to give it
• Your child can eat normally before the appointment

Oral Conscious Sedation

For children with moderate anxiety or those who need more extensive work, oral conscious sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation. Your child takes a prescribed sedative medication before the appointment, which helps them feel drowsy and relaxed.

How it works: we give you detailed instructions ahead of time. Your child takes the medication at home or in our office, depending on the type used. They stay conscious but very relaxed, and many children don't remember much of the visit afterward.

• Fasting may be required before the appointment
• Your child will feel drowsy and relaxed and may not remember the procedure
• Effects last several hours after treatment
• A parent or guardian must stay during the appointment
• Your child should rest at home afterward

In-Office General Anesthesia

For children who need extensive treatment, have severe anxiety, or have special needs that make traditional dental care difficult, we offer in-house general anesthesia. Your child sleeps comfortably through the entire visit.

How it works: a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist from our visiting anesthesia team gives and monitors the anesthesia in our office. There is no hospital visit, and your child can receive all needed treatment in one appointment in a familiar, kid-friendly setting.

• All treatment completed in one visit
• Monitored by a dedicated anesthesia professional
• No memory of the dental procedure
• Ideal for very young children or those with special needs

Painless Numbing Goes Hand in Hand

Alongside sedation, we use DentalHiTech painless electronic anesthesia for numbing. The computer-controlled system delivers medication at a slow, steady rate, so most children don't even realize they've had an injection.

How We Keep Sedation Safe

• Thorough medical history review before recommending any sedation
• Pre-appointment instructions to prepare your child properly
• Continuous monitoring of vital signs during sedation
• Emergency equipment on site and staff trained in emergency protocols
• Monitoring after treatment until your child is ready to go home
• Detailed aftercare instructions for parents

Dr. Wilkerson follows the safety guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and is certified in pediatric sedation techniques. If your child is anxious but may not need sedation, see how we help anxious kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Kid's Place offer sedation dentistry for children?

Yes. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation and in-house general anesthesia, and we use DentalHiTech painless electronic anesthesia for numbing.

Will my child be awake with laughing gas?

Yes. With nitrous oxide your child stays awake and can talk with us, but feels relaxed. It takes effect within a few minutes and wears off quickly.

Do we have to go to a hospital for general anesthesia?

No. General anesthesia is given in our office by a board-certified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist from our visiting anesthesia team, so your child can complete treatment in one visit in a familiar setting.

How do I know which type of sedation is right for my child?

Dr. Wilkerson reviews your child's needs, the treatment planned and their medical history before recommending an option. Schedule a consultation or call (830) 239-5411 to talk it through.