Learn more about pain-free shots at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry.
Your child needs dental work, and the thought alone is enough to make your stomach drop. Whether they struggle with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or simply cannot sit still long enough for treatment to happen safely, finding a pediatric sedation dentist near Forest Grove who truly understands how to care for young patients can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, we know every child is different, and we believe no child should go without the dental care they need because the experience feels too overwhelming. Dr. Tesha Waggoner earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at OHSU and completed her pediatric specialty training there in 2018, bringing a thoughtful and child-centered approach to sedation dentistry for families throughout the Forest Grove area. Our sedation dentistry options are designed to make treatment possible, comfortable, and as stress-free as we can make it for both your child and you.
Sedation dentistry uses safe, carefully monitored medication to help children relax during dental procedures. It is not something we turn to automatically for every patient, but for children who truly need it, sedation can be the difference between completing necessary treatment and leaving with unresolved dental issues that compound over time.
There are several levels of sedation we may use depending on your child’s needs and the type of treatment required. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the most frequently used options for cooperative children who need a little extra help feeling calm. For more complex cases, we also maintain privileges at Providence St. Vincent’s Hospital and Legacy Randall Hospital for general anesthesia under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Not every child who gets nervous at the dentist needs sedation, and we always take a conservative approach before recommending it. However, there are situations where sedation is clearly in the child’s best interest. A few circumstances where sedation dentistry may be appropriate include:
Each child’s situation is unique, and we take the time to talk through every option with you before moving forward.
Sedation is one tool in our care approach, and we pair it with a practice environment designed from the ground up with children in mind. Before recommending sedation, we explore what other supports might help your child feel more comfortable. We offer weighted blankets, adjustable lighting, and the ability to watch a movie during treatment. Our in-office dog, Meyers, is here in the mornings and has a calming presence that many children respond to naturally.
For families who are uncertain whether their child truly needs sedation, a pre-visit office tour is a great first step. Getting familiar with the sights, sounds, and friendly faces at our office can go a long way toward reducing a child’s apprehension before treatment day. We also encourage parents to take on the role of a “silent observer” during appointments, which often helps children focus and respond better to our team’s guidance without feeling pulled between different voices in the room.
Our full range of services is built around the idea that children deserve care that meets them where they are, not where it is easiest for us.
Forest Grove families have options when it comes to pediatric dental care, but very few practices in the area offer the combination of sedation capabilities, sensory-friendly accommodations, and a genuinely child-centered philosophy our office brings to every appointment. Dr. Tesha Waggoner holds memberships with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the College of Diplomats, and the Pediatric Dental Association, reflecting a deep and ongoing commitment to the highest standards of pediatric dental care.
Located just a short drive from Forest Grove via the freeway, our Beaverton office is designed to be accessible for families throughout Washington County and beyond. We are proud to serve the many communities around us and to be the practice families turn to when they need a provider who will take the time to truly understand their child.
Dr. Tesha Waggoner, DMD, graduated from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in 2014 and completed her pediatric dental training at OHSU in 2018. She maintains privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital for cases requiring general anesthesia. Dr. T lives in Portland with her husband Tony, her son Bruce, and their two labradoodles, CJ and Meyers.
She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations.
We accept Delta Dental Premier, OHP Medicaid, CareOregon, and most dental insurance plans as an out-of-network provider. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and answer any questions you have about what sedation dentistry involves before you commit to an appointment.
If your child has been avoiding dental care because previous visits have been too difficult, we want to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule a visit and find out how we can make dental care work for your child.
