We understand that it may be difficult for some children to tolerate certain dental procedures.  For this reason, we can provide varying levels of sedation that will best help your child receive the dental treatment they need.  We are the only pediatric dental office in New Mexico to offer all four levels of Sedation.

1. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)  Nitrous oxide is a gas that children can breath through a scented nose piece.  This gas helps settle nerves and provides some pain relief. While breathing laughing gas, simple cavities can be filled without giving local anesthetic (shots).  The effects of laughing gas are diminished after about 2 minutes of breathing oxygen and children can continue daily activities immediately following their dental appointment.

2.  Conscious Sedation (oral)- For those children that need more sedation than nitrous oxide, we can administer a weight based medication.   This medication can provide an amnesic effect, so the patient may not remember the dental appointment.  Typically the patient remains awake.   The child may be drowsy for a few hours after the appointment, and therefore should remain at home under the supervision of their guardian.

3. IV deep Sedation- administered by our board certified dental anesthesiologist. This type of anesthesia is medication given through an IV.  The patient will be asleep and continually monitored by the anesthesiologist.  IV sedation is beneficial in that all dental needs can usually be done in only one dental appointment.  The child may be drowsy for a few hours after the appointment, and should remain at home under the supervision of their guardian for the remainder of the day.

4. General Anesthesia. Due to some circumstances, it may be necessary for us to accompany your child to the hospital to provide dental treatment under general anesthesia provided by the anesthesiologists at the hospital.  Dr. Tasker and Dr. Peck maintain hospital privileges at Presbyterian and Lovelace Hospitals.

To learn about pre-sedation, post sedation and post-op instructions use the downloadables below:

Please call 505-884-5437 or contact us here with any questions you may have.

New Mexico Pediatric and Sedation Dentistry

With the aid of sedation dentistry, our pediatric dentists can perform quick and detailed pediatric dental services while keeping your child relaxed. Contact us today for more happy smiles when you leave the dental office!

From the vibrant and enchanting fairytale waiting room, to our HD TV monitors, to the heated, massaging dental chairs, we try to make your child’s dental experience fun and relaxing.