Is sedation safe for children?

Sedation is used routinely in pediatric dentistry. We review your child’s health history first, monitor your child closely throughout treatment and will tell you if sedation is not the right choice.

Can I stay with my child?

Ask our team before the visit. We will explain where parents can be during treatment and when you can be with your child during recovery.

What is the difference between nitrous oxide and IV sedation?

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative breathed through a nose mask; your child stays awake and it wears off soon after. IV sedation is a deeper level of sedation given through a small IV line for children who need more help.

Does my child need to stop eating before sedation?

It depends on the type of sedation. Before the visit we give you written instructions, including any eating and drinking guidelines your child needs to follow.

Is IV sedation done in your office?

Yes. Both nitrous oxide and IV sedation are provided in our Lexington office, so your child does not need to go to a hospital or another location for sedation.

How will my child feel after sedation?

After nitrous oxide, most children feel like themselves shortly after the visit. After IV sedation, children are often sleepy for the rest of the day, so plan a quiet afternoon at home.

Will my child still need numbing medicine?

Usually, yes. Sedation helps your child relax, while local numbing medicine keeps the tooth comfortable during treatment.

Sedation Dentistry for Kids in Lexington, SC

Q: Does insurance cover sedation?

Coverage for nitrous oxide and IV sedation varies by plan, including South Carolina Medicaid. Our team will check your benefits and explain any costs before treatment.

Reviewed by Dr. Kathi Sample, Children’s Dentist at Sunset Children’s Dentistry · Updated October 22, 2026

Some children need a little extra help to feel calm and safe during dental care. At Sunset Children’s Dentistry, we offer two sedation options right here in our Lexington office: nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation. Our dentists review your child’s health history, explain each option in plain language and help you choose what fits your child’s age, health and treatment needs.

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Dr. Kathi Sample providing gentle, sensory-friendly pediatric dental care for a young child in Lexington

What is sedation dentistry for children?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help a child relax during dental treatment. It does not replace numbing medicine for the tooth itself. Instead, it eases the worry, fear or restlessness that can make treatment hard for a child.

We use sedation for children with dental anxiety, very young children who need more than a quick visit, kids with a strong gag reflex, children with special needs and patients who need longer or more extensive treatment. Many children never need sedation, and we will always tell you when a regular visit is the better choice.

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Looking for Sedation Dentistry Near Me? Start Here

Sunset Children’s Dentistry at 5080 Sunset Blvd in Lexington offers nitrous oxide and IV sedation in our own office, Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm. Families come from Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, Irmo, Red Bank, Gilbert and Oak Grove. Call us to talk through your child’s needs and whether sedation makes sense.

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Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

A mild sedative your child breathes through a small nose mask. It helps kids relax while staying awake and able to respond, and it wears off soon after the mask comes off.

IV Sedation

A deeper level of sedation given through a small IV line by our dentist in our office. It can help children with significant anxiety, special needs or longer treatment get care in one comfortable visit.

How can I prepare my child for sedation?

Tell us about your child’s health, medications, allergies and any past experience with sedation or anesthesia. Before the visit we give you clear instructions, including any eating and drinking guidelines, what your child should wear and how long to plan to stay. At home, use simple, positive words and bring a favorite comfort item on the day of treatment.

STEP 1

Consultation and Health Review

We examine your child, review medical history and medications, and explain whether sedation is recommended and which option fits best.

STEP 2

Clear Instructions Before the Visit

You receive written instructions for treatment day, including eating and drinking guidelines when needed, so you know exactly what to expect.

STEP 3

Treatment With Close Monitoring

Your child is monitored throughout treatment. With nitrous oxide they stay awake and relaxed; with IV sedation they rest deeply while we complete care.

STEP 4

Recovery and Going Home

We stay with your child until they are ready to go home and explain what to watch for the rest of the day, plus who to call with questions.

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When might my child need sedation?

Sedation can help when a child is very anxious or fearful, is too young to sit still for needed treatment, has special health care needs or sensory sensitivities, has a strong gag reflex, or needs several fillings or other treatment that is easier to finish in one visit. It is used alongside our everyday care, including special needs dentistry and emergency care.

Calmer Visits

Helps anxious kids relax so treatment feels less stressful.

In-Office Care

Nitrous oxide and IV sedation are provided right here.

Close Monitoring

Your child is monitored from the start of care to recovery.

Parent Partnership

We explain every step and answer questions before you decide.

Why Families Choose Sunset for Sedation Dentistry

Families choose Sunset Children’s Dentistry because we keep sedation simple and personal. Our pediatric dentists review every child’s health history, explain the options without pressure and only recommend sedation when it truly helps. Because both nitrous oxide and IV sedation are offered in our own office, your child is cared for by a team and in a space they already know.

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Dr. Kathi and her staff are amazing. Not only do they know all 4 of my children by name, they also know their personalities and relate to each one differently each visit. On a closed day I needed a prescription for one of my kids, Dr. Kathi immediately called it in and even gave me her cell phone number to contact her directly in case I needed anything else during the weekend. Love these ladies!!!!

Verified Patient|Sunset Children’s Dentistry Family

We love Dr. Kathi and her staff! Today my son had a procedure done. The staff were very thorough regarding what to expect, the amount I would owe upfront and answered all questions. We were in and out in a timely manner.

Verified Patient|Sunset Children’s Dentistry Family

Meet Our Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Kathi Sample and board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Jeffrey Jackson care for anxious, young and medically complex children every week, and help families decide when nitrous oxide or IV sedation is the right choice.

Child-focused providers
Sedation offered in our own office
Clear guidance for parents

Dr. Kathi Sample

Trusted Children's Dentist in Lexington, SC

Dr. Kathi Sample provides gentle, relationship-focused care as one of our premier children’s dentists. Known for her calm approach, clear communication, and absolute commitment to each child’s physical and emotional…

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Dr. Jeffrey Jackson

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in Lexington, SC

Dr. Jeffrey Jackson provides thoughtful, high-quality oral healthcare for children and growing families throughout Lexington County. With advanced specialty training, board certification, and a calm, child-centered approach, he helps anchor…

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Ready to Talk About Sedation for Your Child?

Call our Lexington office to ask about nitrous oxide or IV sedation and schedule a consultation that works for your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers for parents considering sedation for their child.

Does insurance cover sedation dentistry for kids?

Coverage for nitrous oxide and IV sedation depends on your plan, including South Carolina Medicaid. Our team can check your benefits and review any costs with you before treatment.

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Insurance & Benefits

We accept many insurance plans and help families understand available coverage.

Flexible Payment Options

Our team can review payment solutions and answer questions so treatment feels easier to manage.

Clear Financial Guidance

No surprises. We explain recommendations and fees clearly before treatment begins.

Areas We Serve Near Lexington, SC

Families bring children to our Lexington office for sedation dentistry from across the Midlands, including Columbia and West Columbia, Irmo, Red Bank, Gilbert and Oak Grove.