Sedation Dentistry Options For Kids In Broomfield, CO

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers three levels of sedation dentistry options for kids in Broomfield, CO, so every child can receive dental care in comfort, regardless of their anxiety level or treatment needs. Led by Dr. Alison Grover, a Board-Certified Diplomate Pediatric Dentist, our practice provides nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and in-office general anesthesia. We have served families in Broomfield, Erie, and surrounding Colorado communities since 2017.

We understand that learning your child needs sedation can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about safety, unsure which option is right, or simply anxious about putting your child through a dental procedure. Those feelings are completely normal. At Mini Miners, we walk every parent through the options, answer every question, and make sure both you and your child feel confident before we begin.

What Is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?

Pediatric sedation dentistry uses safe medications to help children relax, reduce anxiety, and stay comfortable during dental procedures. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, sedation ranges from mild relaxation where your child stays fully awake to deep sedation where your child sleeps through the entire procedure.

Sedation is not the same as general pain management. Local anesthesia numbs the area being treated so your child does not feel pain. Sedation addresses something different: the fear, anxiety, and stress that can make dental visits difficult for young children.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes pediatric sedation as a safe and effective way to provide dental care for children who experience anxiety, have special needs, or require extensive treatment. Board-Certified pediatric dentists like Dr. Grover receive specialized training in administering and monitoring sedation in children, making them uniquely qualified to provide this care.

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Our Three Levels of Sedation

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers three levels of sedation, each designed to meet different needs and comfort levels. Not every child needs the same approach, and Dr. Alison Grover evaluates each child individually before recommending the most appropriate level for their situation.

Mild Sedation: Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What it is. Nitrous oxide is a mild, odorless gas mixed with oxygen that helps children relax during dental treatment. Your child breathes it in through a small nose piece and remains fully awake and responsive throughout the procedure.

When we use it. Nitrous oxide works well for children with mild anxiety or during routine procedures where a little extra relaxation helps. It is also helpful for children who have a sensitive gag reflex. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide as a very safe and effective option for pediatric dental care.

What your child will experience. Your child will choose their favorite "flavor" from our menu, with options like bubble gum or mango. They will breathe through their nose while watching a movie on our ceiling-mounted TV. Most children feel relaxed, a bit silly, and may notice a tingling sensation in their fingers and toes.

Recovery.The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within minutes after the nose piece is removed. Your child can return to school or normal activities immediately after the appointment. No special monitoring is needed afterward.

Moderate Sedation: Oral Conscious Sedation

What it is. Oral conscious sedation uses a combination of two medications, Versed (midazolam) and Hydroxyzine, given in liquid form. These medications induce relaxation and drowsiness while also creating an amnesic effect, meaning your child is unlikely to remember the procedure afterward.

When we use it. Dr. Grover recommends oral conscious sedation for children with moderate to high anxiety, for longer procedures, or for kids who were not able to stay calm with nitrous oxide alone.

What your child will experience. Your child will swallow the liquid medication and then relax while watching a movie. After a short period, they will become drowsy but remain conscious. They can still respond to the dental team but will be in a deeply relaxed state. The amnesic effect means most children have little to no memory of the appointment afterward, which helps prevent negative associations with dental visits.

Recovery. The medications take several hours to wear off completely. Your child will need to rest at home and be monitored by an adult for the remainder of the day. We will provide detailed recovery instructions before your appointment.

Deep Sedation: In-Office General Anesthesia

What it is. General anesthesia places your child in a state of complete unconsciousness so they feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. A dedicated anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia through gas and an IV and monitors your child's vital signs throughout the entire treatment.

When we use it. General anesthesia is recommended for children with special needs, extreme dental anxiety, very young children who cannot cooperate during treatment, or kids who need extensive dental work completed in a single visit.

What your child will experience. An anesthesiologist will check your child's vitals before beginning. Your child will watch a movie and breathe in anesthesia through a comfortable mask. Once your child is asleep, parents wait in our waiting room while the anesthesiologist inserts an IV and continuously monitors your child's breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels throughout the dental procedure. Your child will be completely asleep and unaware during treatment.

When the procedure is finished, we bring parents into the recovery room before your child wakes up. This way, the first voice your child hears is yours. As your child comes to, they will be drowsy and may feel confused, which is completely normal.

Recovery. The anesthesia takes several hours to wear off. Your child will need to rest at home and be monitored by an adult in the same room for the rest of the day. We provide complete post-procedure instructions before your visit.

Our anesthesiology partners. Mini Miners works with two trusted local anesthesiology practices to provide safe, high-quality anesthesia in the comfort of our dental office: Mile High Anesthesia and Rocky Mountain Dental Anesthesia. Your child receives hospital-level monitoring without the stress of a hospital visit.

Billing note. The anesthesiologist bills separately from Mini Miners. Anesthesiology practices do not accept insurance directly, but parents can submit a claim to their insurance provider for reimbursement. We recommend verifying your coverage in advance.

Is Dental Sedation Safe for My Child?

Yes, dental sedation is safe for children when administered by trained professionals using proper protocols and monitoring. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Alison Grover is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, which includes specialized training in the safe administration and monitoring of pediatric sedation.

For nitrous oxide, the risks are extremely low. The gas is mild, non-addictive, and leaves the body within minutes. It has been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades.

For oral conscious sedation, your child's medical history, current medications, and overall health are reviewed before any medication is prescribed. The dental team monitors your child throughout the procedure to ensure they remain comfortable and safe.

For general anesthesia, a dedicated anesthesiologist is present for the entire procedure. They continuously monitor your child's heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing. This is the same standard of monitoring your child would receive in a hospital setting.

Before any sedation appointment, we review your child's full medical history, discuss the specific medications or approach we recommend, and answer every question you have. We never proceed until you feel fully informed and comfortable with the plan.

Which Sedation Level Is Right for My Child?

The right sedation level depends on your child's age, anxiety level, the extent of dental work needed, their medical history, and their previous experiences at the dentist. Dr. Grover evaluates each child individually and recommends the approach that provides the best combination of comfort and safety.

Here is a general guide to help you understand the options:

Nitrous oxide is a good starting point for children with mild nervousness, those undergoing short or routine procedures, or kids who just need a little help relaxing. Recovery is immediate.
Oral conscious sedation is better suited for children with stronger anxiety, those who were not calm enough with nitrous oxide, or kids who need longer procedures. The amnesic effect is especially helpful for children who have had negative dental experiences in the past. Recovery takes several hours.
General anesthesia is typically recommended when a child has special needs that prevent cooperation, when anxiety is severe, when the child is very young, or when extensive treatment needs to be completed in one visit. Recovery takes several hours, and an anesthesiologist is present throughout.

During your consultation, Dr. Grover will discuss each option, explain why she recommends a specific level, and make sure you understand what to expect before, during, and after the appointment. Understanding your sedation dentistry options for kids in Broomfield, CO, starts with a conversation, and we are always happy to have that conversation with you.

Why Choose Mini Miners for Sedation Dentistry Options For Kids In Broomfield, CO?

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is a dedicated pediatric practice, not a general dentist who also sees children. Dr. Alison Grover is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, with specialized training in pediatric sedation that goes well beyond what general dentists receive. Families in Broomfield trust Mini Miners for safe, gentle sedation dentistry for kids of all ages.

All three sedation levels in one office. Many dental practices offer only nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Mini Miners is one of the few pediatric practices in the Broomfield area to offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and in-office general anesthesia, all under one roof.
Dedicated anesthesiology partnerships. For general anesthesia cases, we partner with Mile High Anesthesia and Rocky Mountain Dental Anesthesia. Your child receives hospital-level care in the familiar, kid-friendly comfort of our office.
Built for kids. Our office features a slide and arcade games in the waiting room, ceiling-mounted TVs in every treatment room, and a prize tower that kids visit after every appointment. We follow a "no scary words" policy so your child feels safe from the moment they walk in.
Parents in the recovery room. For general anesthesia cases, we bring parents into the recovery room before the child wakes up. Your child's first experience after the procedure is hearing your voice. No other practice in the area highlights this approach.
Serving Broomfield and surrounding communities. Our office is located in Erie, Colorado, just a short drive from Broomfield. We also serve families from Louisville, Superior, Westminster, Lafayette, and Northglenn. Since 2017, we have helped thousands of children receive comfortable, stress-free dental care.

Preparing Your Child for a Sedation Appointment

Proper preparation helps your child's sedation appointment go smoothly and safely. Before your visit, our team will provide detailed instructions specific to the type of sedation your child will receive.

Fasting guidelines. For oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, your child will need to stop eating and drinking several hours before the appointment. An empty stomach is an important safety requirement. We will give you exact timing based on your child's scheduled procedure. Nitrous oxide typically does not require fasting, though we recommend a light meal beforehand.
What to wear. Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves so our team can easily monitor vitals if needed.
What to bring. Bring a comfort item like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. For oral sedation and general anesthesia appointments, plan to stay for the full visit and have another adult available to help with transportation home.
Talking to your child. Use calm, positive language. Let your child know they will watch a movie and that the dentist will help their teeth feel better. Avoid words like "needle," "shot," or "pain." At Mini Miners, our "no scary words" policy extends to how we coach parents to prepare their children for visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry Options For Kids In Broomfield, CO

Is dental sedation safe for my child?

Yes, dental sedation is safe for children when administered by qualified professionals. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Alison Grover is a Board-Certified Diplomate Pediatric Dentist with specialized training in pediatric sedation. For general anesthesia, a dedicated anesthesiologist monitors your child's vitals throughout the entire procedure. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes sedation as a safe and effective approach for children who experience dental anxiety, have special needs, or require extensive treatment.

Will my child feel pain during sedation?

No. Sedation is used to reduce anxiety and keep your child calm. Pain management is handled separately through local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area so your child feels no discomfort. With general anesthesia, your child is completely unconscious and unaware during the procedure. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, your child remains conscious but deeply relaxed while local anesthesia prevents any pain in the area being treated.

How long does recovery take after dental sedation?

Recovery time depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, and your child can return to school or normal activities immediately. Oral conscious sedation takes several hours to wear off, and your child should rest at home with adult supervision for the remainder of the day. General anesthesia also requires several hours of recovery with adult monitoring in the same room. Our team will provide specific recovery instructions before your appointment.

Can my child eat before a sedation appointment?

For nitrous oxide, your child can usually eat a light meal beforehand. For oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia, your child must stop eating and drinking several hours before the appointment. Fasting with an empty stomach is a critical safety requirement for deeper sedation levels. We will provide exact fasting instructions when you schedule your appointment, and our team will confirm the guidelines with you before your visit.

Does insurance cover dental sedation for kids?

Most dental insurance plans cover nitrous oxide as part of standard pediatric dental care. Coverage for oral conscious sedation varies by plan. General anesthesia is billed separately by the anesthesiologist, and anesthesiology practices typically do not accept insurance directly. However, parents can submit a claim to their insurance provider for reimbursement. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry works with most major insurance providers, and our team will help you understand your benefits before your appointment.

Will my child remember the dental procedure after sedation?

With nitrous oxide, your child will remember the visit but will feel relaxed and calm during the procedure. With oral conscious sedation, the medications create an amnesic effect, meaning most children have little to no memory of the appointment. This is especially helpful for children with dental anxiety because it prevents negative memories from forming. With general anesthesia, your child is completely unconscious and will not remember anything about the procedure.

What is the difference between oral sedation and general anesthesia for kids?

Oral conscious sedation keeps your child drowsy but conscious. They can still breathe on their own and respond to the dental team. It uses medications taken in liquid form and does not require an IV or an anesthesiologist. General anesthesia places your child in a state of complete unconsciousness. It requires an anesthesiologist, IV placement, and continuous vital sign monitoring throughout the procedure. Dr. Grover recommends the level that best fits your child's needs, anxiety level, and the complexity of the treatment.