
Pediatric Sedation In Henrico, va
We get it — going to the dentist isn’t always easy for children. Many kids have a hard time sitting still, which can make dental care difficult. Others may be anxious or scared about visiting the dentist. With our sedation options, your child can feel totally comfortable and relaxed during their treatment. It’s just one of the many ways we make each visit a positive experience.
Why Should I Choose Pediatric Sedation For My Child?
Pediatric sedation is a good option to consider for your child’s dental appointments because it can make a big difference in how they view the dentist. It helps keep them calm and relaxed, especially if they struggle to sit still or get nervous. This way, the dentist can do their work with ease, and your child won’t feel scared or uncomfortable. It's all about making sure they get the dental care they need in the most stress-free way possible. Feel free to chat with Dr. Shreya about our options to see if sedation is the right fit for your child's needs.


Complimentary Meet & Greets
Overcoming the fear of going to the dentist can be a challenge. That’s why we encourage parents to bring their little ones for a tour of the office and to meet the team. Their dentist will “count their teeth” and show them how cool going to the dentist can be, so they can get excited about their oral health!
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The Benefits of Pediatric Sedation
Reducing Fear and Dental Anxiety
Visiting the dentist can be intimidating for children, especially for procedures like fillings. Sedation allows your child to feel calm and relaxed, ensuring a comfortable experience during their dental appointment.
Minimizing Pain and Discomfort
When used with local anesthetics, sedation is highly effective in minimizing any potential pain and discomfort during dental treatments. This not only makes the process smoother for your child but also gives you peace of mind knowing they are comfortable.
Addressing Gag Reflex and Needle Phobia
Certain types of sedation can significantly reduce your child’s gag reflex. This is particularly beneficial for dental work on the back teeth. Sedation also helps alleviate the common fear of numbing needles.
The Pediatric Sedation Treatment Process
Initial Consultation & Approval
Before considering sedation for your child, Dr. Shreya will evaluate their health history, current medications, supplements, and other relevant health information. If your child is a good candidate, you will be informed about the available sedation options and which one will best suit their needs.
Preparation & Sedation
Dr. Shreya will let you know if there’s anything you need to prepare before your child’s appointment. On the day of the visit, your child will receive sedation in our office, helping them stay calm and comfortable during their treatment.
Sedation Aftercare
Your child's recovery process depends on the type of sedation used. We will ensure your child meets all post-sedation requirements before they leave our office. Dr. Shreya will review guidelines to aid in the care for your child after their treatment. We do not recommend for your child to participate in any high-intensity activities as they continue their recovery at home that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

Sedation in dentistry primarily serves to alleviate dental anxiety, which helps children remain calm and cooperative during their dental procedures. Many children experience fear or nervousness about dental visits, and sedation can significantly ease these feelings. It's also beneficial for managing discomfort during more involved procedures like tooth extractions, and it helps children who have difficulty staying still for extended periods during treatments.
Pediatric sedation is generally appropriate for children who are in good health and do not have any medical conditions or medications that could negatively interact with the sedation. It's best to consult with us for a personalized assessment. During a consultation, we can discuss your child's specific needs and address any concerns to determine the best option.
Every sedation option feels different. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) typically makes children feel relaxed and slightly euphoric. They’ll be fully conscious but won’t experience discomfort.
IV sedation often results in a drowsy, sleepy state. Children might fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure but can still respond to instructions.
General anesthesia provides the deepest sedation. Your child will be completely unconscious and unable to feel or remember the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is safe for children of all ages, including toddlers when administered correctly. We ensure safety by conducting a thorough health history assessment and choosing the appropriate sedation method for each child. You’ll be fully informed about the chosen sedation technique, its effects, and aftercare requirements. All sedation procedures are carried out by qualified professionals on our team. At every step of the process, we prioritize your child's safety and comfort.
Pediatric Sedation Dentistry is a field of dental care designed to help children have a more comfortable and stress-free experience during their dental visits. It involves the use of sedative medications, administered in various forms such as inhalation, oral, or intravenous, to help relax young patients and minimize anxiety. This approach is particularly beneficial for children who have a fear of dental procedures, those with special needs, or young patients who require extensive dental work that might otherwise be overwhelming in a single visit.
The primary goal of sedation is to ensure that children receive the necessary dental care without the emotional and psychological distress that can sometimes accompany a visit to the dentist. By alleviating fear and anxiety, sedation dentistry not only helps in completing the dental procedures efficiently but also promotes a positive attitude towards oral health care in children, reducing the likelihood of dental phobia in the future.
At RVO Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond, Dr. Shreya Desai is committed to providing a safe and calming environment for all her young patients, ensuring their dental health is maintained with care and compassion.
Safety is a top priority when it comes to Pediatric Sedation Dentistry. At RVO Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Shreya Desai and her team follow stringent protocols to ensure that each sedation procedure is conducted safely and effectively. Before any sedation is administered, a comprehensive evaluation of your child's medical history, current health status, and specific dental needs is performed. This assessment helps in determining the most appropriate type and level of sedation for your child.
Moreover, the sedatives used in pediatric dentistry are carefully selected and dosed according to the child's age, weight, and overall health. Throughout the procedure, your child is closely monitored using advanced equipment to track vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. This vigilant monitoring ensures that any potential issues are immediately addressed, providing peace of mind for parents and a secure environment for the child.
At RVO Pediatric Dentistry, we offer several types of sedation to accommodate the diverse needs of our young patients. The most common types include:
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over the child's nose. It helps children relax during the procedure while remaining awake and responsive. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the mask is removed, allowing your child to return to their normal activities shortly after the appointment.
2. IV Sedation: For more extensive dental work or for children with significant anxiety or special needs, intravenous sedation may be recommended. This method allows for a deeper level of sedation, with the child being in a sleep-like state during the procedure.
3. General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is often used for more complex treatments. Our general anesthesia cases are conducted at MEDARVA Stony Point Surgical Center, where Dr. Shreya and a full medical team prioritize your child's safety and care every step of the way.
Dr. Shreya Desai will discuss the best sedation options for your child based on their specific needs and the nature of the dental treatment required.
Preparing your child for a sedation dentistry appointment involves a few important steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly. First, it's crucial to follow any pre-appointment instructions provided by Dr. Shreya Desai. These may include dietary restrictions, such as avoiding food and drink for a certain period before the appointment, to reduce the risk of complications during sedation.
It's also helpful to explain to your child what to expect in a calm and reassuring manner. Use age-appropriate language to describe the process, emphasizing that the sedation will help them feel relaxed and comfortable. Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they might have, so you can address them together.
On the day of the appointment, dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and bring along a favorite toy or blanket to help them feel more at ease. Plan to arrive at the dental office with plenty of time to spare, allowing your child to acclimate to the environment without feeling rushed.
After the procedure, your child may feel drowsy and need some time to fully recover from the effects of the sedation. Ensure they rest at home and follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by the dental team. Dr. Shreya Desai will provide guidance on what to expect during the recovery period and how to care for your child's oral health following the treatment.
