Comfortable care for every child

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

Laughing gas is a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen that your child breathes through a small nose mask. It has a calming, relaxing effect and can also quiet a strong gag reflex. Your child stays awake, responsive, and breathing on their own.

It wears off quickly: normal breathing clears it from the body by the end of the appointment, and no special care is needed afterward. Please skip a heavy meal before the visit, and let us know if your child has anything that makes breathing through the nose difficult.

In-office sedation

For children with extensive treatment needs, strong anxiety, a difficult past dental experience, a strong gag reflex, or medical or special needs, sedation can be the kindest option. A dental anesthesiologist sedates and monitors your child throughout, while our doctor focuses on the dental work.

• Treatment happens here in our office, not in a hospital.
• Planned work can usually be completed in one visit.
• Most children remember little or nothing of the treatment.

If you'd like to speak with our anesthesiologist before deciding, call us to set up a consultation. We can also put you in touch with a parent who has been through it here.

Special care dentistry

Caring for children means caring for all children. We work with many families whose children have autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, sensory differences, or significant anxiety. Some children have trouble opening wide, find the taste or feel of toothpaste hard to tolerate, or have a limited diet. A dental home that listens and adapts makes a real difference.

Our desensitization program

We introduce dentistry gradually, at your child's pace, until visits become a normal part of their routine. Your child sees the same provider in the same room every time. If your child is in pain right now, we'll take care of that first, since the program works best once they're comfortable.

Our office

Our treatment rooms are large enough for wheelchairs and stretchers, and we can schedule quieter times for children who do better with less going on around them. Therapy dogs are welcome.

Tips for the visit

• Ask us for our social story to help your child prepare.
• Read a picture book about going to the dentist together beforehand.
• Bring a comfort object, and a favorite show we can play on the ceiling TV.
• If your child only accepts one toothpaste flavor, bring it along.
• Try to avoid words like "hurt," "needle," or "scary" — we'll use kid-friendly words for everything.