The effects of sedation depend on the type used and your child’s individual response.

With laughing gas, kids feel relaxed, giggly, or floaty—yet stay awake and alert. These effects wear off quickly, usually within minutes after the mask is removed.

Oral sedation helps your child feel drowsy, calm, and often sleepy. Your child may not remember much of their visit and might feel groggy for several hours after their appointment.

General anesthesia puts your child into a deep sleep. Afterward, it’s normal for them to feel disoriented or tired as the medicine wears off.

Yes. When administered by trained professionals like our team at Kids Tooth Team in Buda, sedation is very safe. We follow strict safety guidelines and monitor your child closely throughout the procedure to keep them comfortable and protected.

Your pediatric dentist will review your child’s medical history and overall health before recommending any type of sedation. We’ll also walk you through the risks, benefits, and what to expect—so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.

General anesthesia may be recommended for younger children, those with special healthcare needs, or kiddos who need extensive dental treatment and cannot tolerate care while awake.At Kids Tooth Team, we offer general anesthesia both in our Buda office (for healthy children) and at the hospital (for medically complex patients or parents who prefer that setting). If general anesthesia is right for your child, we’ll discuss it in detail and ensure a seamless, safe experience.

With laughing gas, effects fade within minutes after the appointment.Oral and intranasal sedation can last a few hours, and your child may feel sleepy or need to rest for the rest of the day.General anesthesia wears off more slowly, and your child may feel drowsy for several hours. We’ll provide detailed post-op instructions based on the type of sedation your child receives.

Not always—but it can be extremely helpful. Sedation can make treatment easier for children who feel anxious, have difficulty staying still, or require longer or more complex procedures.

At Kids Tooth Team, we’ll evaluate your child’s needs and only recommend sedation if it’s truly beneficial. Your child’s safety, comfort, and long-term oral health are our top priorities.

Preparation depends on the type of sedation. For deeper sedation or general anesthesia, your child will need to fast after midnight before the appointment.

Your pediatric dentist and our Buda team will provide specific guidelines, but here are a few general tips:

• Talk to your child about the visit in a calm, positive way.
• Dress them in cozy, loose-fitting clothes.
• Bring a comfort item like a blanket or stuffed animal.
• Plan to stay home with your child the rest of the day after sedation.

Your child’s safety is our #1 priority. During sedation, we use specialized monitors to track vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing, and blood pressure.

Our trained team—including Dr. Alex and any assisting anesthesiologists—are highly experienced in pediatric sedation and emergency response. We’re here to ensure your child is safe, supported, and in expert hands throughout their entire visit.