Wake staff in a mask and gloves examining a patient with laughing gas mask on

IN-HOUSE SEDATION

Safety & Peace Of Mind For Your Child’s Dental Procedures

We understand that certain dental procedures, or even just visiting the dentist, can feel scary for kids. That’s why we’re proud to offer in-house sedation services with our in-house dentist anesthesiologist. The result is safe, comfortable and convenient sedation dentistry across all three of our locations to help ease the minds of even the most anxious patients (and their parents)!

Sedation dentistry

What Is In-House Pediatric Dental Sedation?

At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety is our top priority. In-house sedation refers to dental sedation procedures performed within our offices instead of a hospital setting. This way, every sedation procedure is performed and monitored by our dentist anesthesiologist, ensuring your child’s safety and saving you from the hassle of a hospital visit.

Types Of Sedation Used In Pediatric Dentistry

We tailor your child’s treatment plans to their needs. The type of in-house sedation used will depend on factors such as the procedure and their age as well as health or behavioral factors.

  • Laughing Gas: Administered through a child-sized nose piece, laughing gas keeps your child awake but comfortable. It is a mild form of sedation and easy to recover from, with the effects subsiding very quickly after the nose piece is removed.

  • Oral Sedation: Oral sedation offers a moderate level of sedation for children undergoing more complex procedures or with more severe needs. It requires giving your child the sedation by mouth, usually as a liquid, ahead of their treatment. While your child will still be awake, they will feel groggy and relaxed. The full effects of the sedation may take a few hours or the rest of the day to wear off.

  • IV Anesthesia: IV anesthesia is deep sedation that causes your child to be almost completely asleep. Though they will have no memory of the dental treatment, they may still move around slightly or make little noises.

  • General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is a form of deep sedation that helps our team perform more complex dental treatments while your child is completely asleep. Your child will breathe through a mask, which helps them fall asleep in just a few minutes. We may suggest general anesthesia for more invasive procedures or for very young patients or patients with more complex medication conditions.

Meet Dr. Pritts, Your Dentist Anesthesiologist

Dr. Pritts is a highly experienced dentist anesthesiologist who has delivered high quality and safe, office-based anesthesia care for thousands of dental patients. He is board certified and a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology, which is the highest level of dental anesthesia training that a dentist can achieve.

Dr. Pritts fell in love with the field while shadowing a dental office, which is where he learned about dental anesthesiology. It was there that he saw firsthand just how much anesthesia can improve dental care.

Throughout his residency, Dr. Pritts provided general anesthesia for pediatric patients and had the unique opportunity to provide anesthesia for hundreds of patients with special needs at The Center for Patients with Special Needs at the dental school.

In addition to oral and maxillofacial procedures, he trained with his medical

A child lying in a chair with a sedation mask on

colleagues at two Level 1 trauma hospitals (UPMC Presbyterian and Mercy), UPMC Children’s Hospital, UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital and UPMC St. Margaret. He also completed clinical rotations in pediatric emergency medicine, neurotrauma ICU, internal medicine and cardiology.

Benefits Of In-House Sedation

We are dedicated to championing your child’s oral health while keeping them relaxed, comfortable and most importantly, safe. In addition to the convenience of completing your child’s dental work at our office instead of the hospital, our in-house sedation services:

  • Provide on-site, expert monitoring throughout your child’s sedation
  • Reduce your child’s fear and anxiety
  • Offer pain-free visits
  • Make longer or more complex procedures easier and more comfortable
  • Serve children with behavioral or special needs

A More Relaxed Experience with Solea® Laser Dentistry

Solea® laser technology enhances sedation dentistry by providing a quieter, gentler alternative to traditional tools. With fewer needles and less discomfort, patients can enjoy a calmer, more relaxed visit while receiving efficient, high-quality care.

Solea dental laser technology logo used at wake orthodontics & pediatric dentistry

Pediatric In-House Sedation FAQs

As a parent, your child’s comfort and safety is your chief concern. At Wake Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, you can rest assured that we have both your child’s dental and overall health in mind. Here are some common questions and answers about how in-house sedation dentistry works for kids:

Dr. Pritts is a highly experienced dentist who has received extensive and specific training in sedation dentistry. This includes following the safety protocols American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to provide the highest level of comfort and safety.

Explain to your child in appropriate language what will happen so they know what to expect. Staying calm and confident is important, as your child can pick up on your own feelings and fears.

Leading up to your child’s in-house sedation dentistry appointment, make sure to follow our team’s instructions, especially those involving eating and drinking. Some procedures require fasting for your child’s safety.

Recovery looks different based on the type of in-house sedation offered. Mild sedation such as laughing gas wears off almost instantly, while moderate and deep sedation methods may take several hours or the rest of the day.

Wake patients smiling in dental chairs
Wake pediatric patient hugging stuffed monkey
Wake exterior signage

READY TO GET STARTED?

Smiles Crafted With Precision, Care And Expertise

When it comes to your family’s oral health, seeking the expertise of Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is a choice that ensures quality, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking pediatric dental care or orthodontic treatment for your family, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll experience professionalism, warmth and a commitment to creating healthy, beautiful smiles.