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For some children, the idea of sitting in a dental chair is genuinely overwhelming, not because they are misbehaving, but because anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or the complexity of their treatment makes a standard appointment unrealistic. When that is the case, sedation is not a last resort. It is simply the right tool for the job, and having access to a pediatric dentist trained to use it well makes all the difference.
Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry offers pediatric sedation dentistry for children throughout Hillsboro and Washington County. Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, is an OHSU-trained, board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with extensive training in sedation techniques for children across a wide range of ages, temperaments, and health backgrounds. Our pediatric sedation services are tailored to each child individually, starting with a thorough evaluation before any decision is made.
Sedation is not appropriate for every child or every appointment, and we never recommend it automatically. Nitrous oxide is often helpful for cooperative children who need a little extra ease to get through a procedure comfortably. For children whose needs go beyond what nitrous oxide can address, additional options are available. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s guidelines identify sedation as appropriate for children who experience significant anxiety that has not responded to behavioral guidance, who cannot cooperate due to developmental or physical factors, or whose treatment complexity makes a standard approach unsafe or ineffective.
Children who may benefit from sedation at our Hillsboro practice include those dealing with one or more of the following situations.
Sedation is always a collaborative decision. We discuss every option with parents thoroughly, including the reasons we are recommending it, what the alternatives are, and what to expect throughout the process.
Every child’s situation is different, and the level of sedation we recommend depends on the child’s age, health history, anxiety level, and what treatment is needed. We walk families through each option clearly before any appointment is scheduled.
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is the lightest form of sedation we offer and the most commonly used. It is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose and produces a relaxed, calm feeling within minutes. Children remain fully awake and responsive throughout the appointment. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the mask is removed, and most children are ready to return to normal activities the same day.
For many children, this is all they need to have a comfortable, positive experience in the chair. We pair nitrous oxide with our other comfort tools, including weighted blankets, low lighting, and the option to watch a movie, to make the appointment as calm as possible.
For children whose treatment needs or anxiety level require a deeper level of sedation, we offer in-office general anesthesia administered by a trained anesthesia provider. This option allows us to complete necessary dental work safely and thoroughly while your child is fully comfortable and unaware of the procedure. Detailed pre-appointment instructions and a thorough health screening are part of every general anesthesia appointment, and our team walks families through the full process in advance. You can also read more about what to expect with pediatric sedation on our website.
For children with complex medical histories or those whose care is best handled in a controlled hospital environment, Dr. Waggoner holds privileges at both Legacy Randall Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Hospital. This is particularly relevant for children receiving care through our special needs pediatric dental services, where hospital-based general anesthesia may be the safest and most appropriate choice.
Our entire practice is designed around making dental visits positive, comfortable experiences that children actually look forward to attending.
Preparation is an important part of any sedation visit. Before the appointment, we provide written instructions covering fasting requirements, what to wear, and any medications your child takes regularly. We encourage families to ask every question they have during this conversation. There is no such thing as too much information when it comes to your child’s safety and comfort.
After a sedation appointment, most children recover quickly, though the timeline varies depending on the type of sedation used. We review recovery guidelines with you before you leave and are available for follow-up questions. Our routine dental care continues alongside any sedation-supported treatment to keep your child’s oral health on track between more involved visits.
Dr. Waggoner brings the training, credentials, and genuine care for children that Hillsboro families deserve when making a decision as significant as pediatric sedation. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, she approaches every sedation recommendation with the same careful, individualized evaluation. You can learn more about Dr. Waggoner and her background on our website.
If you are weighing whether sedation is the right choice for your child, we are happy to answer your questions before you schedule anything. Our team is here to help you feel confident in whatever direction makes the most sense for your family. Contact us and we will get back to you right away.
15962 Boones Ferry Rd, Suite 208
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
We’re so excited to share that Dr. Tesha and the Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry team are opening a second location this July! We’re bringing the same warm, kid-friendly care families know and love — now closer to Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more details!
