Some children need extra help feeling calm and safe during dental visits. One option we could discuss for your child is nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), which can make treatment easier for young or anxious kids who have trouble sitting still or feel nervous about dental care. This can help children relax so the dentist can complete treatment safely and comfortably.
For more complex cases, deeper sedation or hospital based general anesthesia may be recommended, especially for very young children with significant decay, or those with special health needs.
All forms of sedation are carefully managed by our board certified pediatric dentists following American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) safety guidelines to help ensure a positive, stress-free experience for both children and parents.
Request an Appointment
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas,” is a safe and gentle way to help children relax during dental treatment. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), nitrous oxide is recommended for children who feel anxious, have a strong gag reflex, or need help staying calm while getting dental care.
Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that’s breathed in through a small mask placed over the nose. Your child remains awake, responsive, and able to communicate the whole time. The effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped, and children usually leave the office feeling normal within minutes. When used by trained professionals following AAPD safety guidelines, nitrous oxide is a safe, effective way to make dental visits more comfortable and positive for children.
Request an AppointmentHospital Dentistry or IV Sedation
What if your child is having pain or infections and does not have the ability to tolerate dental treatment using nitrous oxide alone? This is when we discuss the option to consider doing all the dental work while your child is asleep under the care of a pediatric anesthesiologist at a hospital.
Why this might be a good option for your child:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends hospital dental care for children who can’t be treated safely in a regular dental office—such as those who are very young, have high anxiety, special health needs, or need a lot of dental work. In a hospital, your child can undergo sedation or general anesthesia under close medical supervision, helping keep children comfortable and calm. This setting allows the dental team to complete all necessary treatment at once, reducing stress for both the child and parents.
Our pediatric dentists offer this service at Kaiser Oakland and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center in Walnut Creek. We do not offer in-house sedation at our dental office, because we feel a hospital setting is the safest place for your child to receive general anesthesia.
The out of pocket cost for the hospital fee is minimal. Many parents find the hospital cost is fully covered by their medical insurance with Kaiser. This benefit alone can be a savings of thousands of dollars when compared to an in-office anesthesia plan which is often fully out of pocket for Kaiser members. The cost for the dental work at a hospital is the same amount as if your child were to receive their dental work in our dental office. And often, the hospital fee is zero to minimal cost, and depends fully on your medical plan details.
Kaiser Oakland
Dr.Teri Kim and Dr. Thea Dosanjh are two of only a few pediatric dental specialists in the East Bay to have staff privileges at Kaiser Oakland. Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center is an excellent place for children to have dental surgery because it combines advanced medical safety with a gentle, child-focused approach.
The hospital has a dedicated team of board-certified pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, and pediatric anesthesiologists who work together to provide safe and comfortable care for children who need procedures such as extractions, crowns, or full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia. The hospital setting allows children—especially those who are very young, anxious, or have special health needs—to receive their dental treatment in a fully monitored environment with access to all necessary medical support.
Parents can take comfort in knowing that every part of the experience—from anesthesia to recovery—is managed by professionals who specialize in pediatric care. The team also takes time to explain each step, helping children feel safe and helping families know exactly what to expect.
Kaiser Oakland offers a reassuring combination of expert dental care, hospital-level safety, and compassionate support—making it an ideal place for pediatric dental surgery.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals – Walnut Creek Outpatient Center (Shadelands)
The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Shadelands Surgery Center is an excellent place for children to have dental surgery because it is completely designed around kids’ safety, comfort, and emotional well-being. The dental and anesthesia teams are specially trained in pediatric care, meaning they know how to help children feel calm and secure while providing the highest level of safety during procedures.
Request an AppointmentFor children who need dental work under general anesthesia—such as multiple extractions, crowns, or full-mouth rehabilitation—the center provides a hospital-grade environment with advanced monitoring and child-focused anesthesia protocols.
Because this surgery center is part of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, families benefit from the resources and standards of one of the nation’s top pediatric medical programs. The entire process—from pre-surgery preparation to recovery—is handled by professionals who understand children’s unique medical and emotional needs. Parents are supported every step of the way and can often be with their child before and after the procedure.
UCSF Benioff’s Shadelands Surgery Center offers a safe, state-of-the-art setting where children receive expert dental treatment with kindness, comfort, and the reassurance of world-class pediatric care.