Get Pediatric Dental Sedation in Bellevue, WA

At Expedition Pediatric Dentistry, we know that moment when your child’s eyes get wide at the mention of a dental visit: the nerves, the worries, the longing for extra comfort. You’re not alone! Dental anxiety is real, and it doesn’t have to define your family’s experience. Dr. Megan Miller and our pediatric team are dedicated to transforming potentially stressful procedures into positive, calm adventures for kids and parents alike. Our comprehensive sedation options are thoughtfully customized so every child can receive the care they need while feeling safe, respected, and secure.

You can read more about our practice philosophy and how we guide children and families through intentional, evidence-based adventures in dentistry.

Understanding Pediatric Dental Sedation

Pediatric dental sedation isn’t about “putting children to sleep”—it’s about meeting every child exactly where they are. We use precisely administered medications to help kids relax during dental procedures, creating a spectrum from mild relaxation (such as drowsiness) to complete unconsciousness (general anesthesia), depending on what’s best for your child’s unique needs and the treatment ahead.

Deciding to use sedation at our practice is always a collaborative process—never a one-size-fits-all decision. Dr. Miller and our team carefully review your child’s medical history, any anxiety concerns, treatment needs, and preferred coping strategies. Our goal? To find the safest, most thoughtful route for each child and family. We are big believers in collaborative decision-making and respect for every family’s values.

Our Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, which many know as “laughing gas,” is a gentle, time-tested way to help children relax in the dental chair. Delivered through a small, comfy mask over your child’s nose, it eases nerves without causing sleepiness or loss of consciousness. Within minutes of removing the mask, the calming effects are gone, and your child is back to their usual self,often ready to pick a prize or head off on their next adventure.

Nitrous oxide is ideal for mild anxiety or routine procedures, such as teeth cleanings or preventative care, and works beautifully alongside our behavior guidance techniques.

Mild Oral Sedation

For children who need a little more support, maybe a longer or more complex filling, or who feel more nervous, we offer mild oral sedation. This involves a carefully measured liquid medication (matched to your child’s weight and needs) that helps children feel quite relaxed, sometimes even a bit sleepy, yet still responsive.

With mild sedation, Dr. Miller and our clinical team closely monitor your child’s comfort, safety, and vital signs from start to finish. After treatment, your kiddo may need a cozy rest at home while the drowsiness fades. You can learn more about our gentle restorative options as well.

General Anesthesia

For certain little explorers, especially those who require extensive dental work, have severe anxiety, or have special health or developmental needs, general anesthesia can be the kindest approach. Under the care of a board-certified physician anesthesiologist, your child sleeps comfortably and safely through their visit while we complete all necessary treatment in a single session.

General anesthesia is performed right here in our Bellevue pediatric dental office, ensuring your family is surrounded by a team you know and trust. As always, we maintain the highest standards and safety protocols, and keep you informed and empowered every step of the way. For more details on how we support children with special health care needs, visit our resource hub.

Safety and Parental Involvement

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for My Child?

Absolutely. At Expedition Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety is our top priority. Dr. Miller and our team have advanced training in pediatric sedation and follow strict guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Here are just a few of the ways we keep children safe:

Comprehensive evaluations: Every sedation plan starts by reviewing your child’s health, medications, and unique characteristics.
Careful dosing: Every medication is tailored to your child’s weight and individual needs.
Continuous monitoring: We track heart rate, breathing, and more throughout the procedure—never taking our eyes off your little one.
Emergency preparedness: Our team is fully certified in pediatric advanced life support, with advanced emergency equipment on site.

Can Parents Stay with Their Child?

We love partnering with parents, and your calming presence at the start of sedation can make a world of difference. Once sedation begins, we typically ask families to enjoy our cozy lounge and let us focus on your child’s care, but you’ll get regular updates and be the very first face your child sees on waking or finishing treatment. Our aim is always to turn anxiety into confidence, for both kids and parents.

Should I Be Worried About Complications?

Every medical procedure comes with some risks, but serious complications from pediatric dental sedation are extremely rare and we’re always proactive about discussing risks, answering questions, and offering total transparency. Risks can include temporary sleepiness, mild nausea, or rare allergic reactions. We explain everything in detail during your visit, so you can make the best choice for your family.

Recovery: What to Expect

How Long Does Sedation Last?

Nitrous oxide: Wears off within minutes. Your child can get back to play or school right away!
Oral sedation: Expect drowsiness for a few hours. Plan on extra snuggles and avoid big activities until fully alert.
General anesthesia: Recovery may take a bit longer, but children are usually back to baseline by the next day.

We’ll send you home with easy-to-follow post-op instructions and a phone number for any concerns. You can also explore our First Visit page to learn more about preparing for treatment.

How Can I Help with Pain After Sedation?

Most procedures produce only mild discomfort, managed with child-appropriate acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), plus soft foods and a little extra TLC. For more extensive treatment, we’ll give you detailed aftercare advice and, if needed, a prescription plan. Check out our FAQ page for more insights on aftercare.

Behavior Management & Alternatives to Sedation

Sedation isn’t the only way to help children thrive at the dentist. Dr. Miller and our team are passionate about behavior guidance, developmental psychology, and positive reinforcement. Many children are able to complete their visits using strategies like:

Tell-Show-Do-Apply: We gently explain each step, demonstrate with real tools, and celebrate small victories.
Positive reinforcement: Stickers, surprises, and proud grins go a long way!
Distraction: TVs on the ceiling, sensory-friendly touches, or a favorite stuffed animal help redirect focus.
Gradual exposure: Several short, “no-treatment” visits help kids build trust at their own pace.
Parent partnership: We arm you with at-home prep tools to help set your child up for success.

Learn more about our unique approach to making dental visits fun on our blog.

Dental Insurance & Financial Details

Many dental insurance providers—including Delta Dental—may cover sedation when it’s medically necessary. Since every policy is different, our knowledgeable front office team will check your benefits, handle pre-authorizations, and help with insurance questions every step of the way. We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of a child’s health, and offer flexible payment options if additional support is needed.

Visit our Contact page if you have questions about coverage or want to talk to our coordinators.

Why Families Choose Expedition Pediatric Dentistry

Whether it’s anxiety, a challenging procedure, or special needs, we believe every child deserves joyful, dignified dental care. Our guiding promise is always: “Excellent pediatric dental care rooted in collaborative decision-making.” Dr. Miller’s passion for holistic, evidence-based, and child-centered care is reflected in every adventure we undertake.

Explore our Smile Care menu for more services we offer.

Real Parent Reviews

We’re deeply grateful to our families for sharing their journeys with us. Here are just a few reviews from parents and caregivers who entrusted us with their children’s smiles:

“Expedition pediatric dentistry was absolutely amazing for our 3 year old son. The office was clean and set up for kids to play and explore. Our son is neurodivergent and had negative experiences at a previous dentist, so we were thrilled when Dr. Miller earned his trust and he even allowed her to look at his teeth! The hygienist and dentist met our son where he was and listened to him (and us)! We highly recommend Dr Miller and Expedition pediatric dentistry!”

— Brooke K., Google

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“Dr. Miller is kind and patient to answer any questions we have for our baby. We also really like the cozy and earthy vibe of her clinic.”

— Hannah C., Google

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“Wow, I’m so impressed. Such an amazing dentist and dentistry practice—Dr. Miller gave so much personalized care and attention. So many thoughtful little touches to make this a positive experience for kiddos! Highly recommend.”

— Claire C., Google

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“I recently switched both my sons' dental care to Expedition Pediatric Dentistry and am so happy I did... My son has sensory processing challenges and everyone was so patient with him... I never felt rushed or pressured, it was a great experience.”

— Annie P., Google

Ready to Explore Pediatric Dental Sedation?

Choosing the right approach to pediatric dental care is an important, personal decision. Whether your child needs gentle encouragement, expert sedation, or a mix of both, Dr. Megan Miller and our compassionate team are here to support your family’s adventure to lifelong oral health with integrity, knowledge, and heart.

Ready to talk about options for your child? Contact us today or schedule your first visit. Together, let’s make dental care an empowering and positive experience!

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