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Lake Oswego Pediatric Sedation Dentist

When your child needs dental care but fear or anxiety stands in the way, finding a practice that can truly meet them where they are makes all the difference. For families across Lake Oswego and the surrounding area, getting kids through necessary treatment without trauma is not just a hope; it is something we make possible every day.

At Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Tesha Waggoner and our team are proud to bring compassionate, board-certified pediatric dental care to the Lake Oswego community. We offer a full range of sedation options designed specifically for children, from gentle nitrous oxide to deeper sedation for more complex cases, so your child can receive the care they need in a calm, safe, and supportive environment. Families searching for a Lake Oswego pediatric sedation dentist now have a local option that genuinely understands kids.

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Why Sedation Dentistry Makes a Difference for Kids

Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons children avoid or resist dental treatment, and the consequences for long-term oral health can be significant. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s best practices on nitrous oxide, when administered by trained professionals using appropriate technique, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for managing anxiety and guiding behavior in young patients. At our Lake Oswego pediatric dental office, we take that standard of care seriously.

Sedation dentistry is not only for the most fearful patients. Many children benefit from sedation when they need multiple procedures completed in a single visit, have difficulty sitting still due to their age or stage of development, or have had a difficult appointment in the past. Our goal is to help your child build a positive relationship with dental care that supports their health for years to come.

What Sedation Options We Offer

We tailor every sedation experience to the individual child based on their age, health history, and the type of treatment they need. We take time to walk parents through all available options and answer every question before anything begins.

Our sedation options include:

  • Nitrous oxide: A gentle blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen delivered through a small mask, this option helps children relax while remaining fully awake and aware. It is the most commonly used choice for mild anxiety or shorter procedures.
  • Oral conscious sedation: For children who need a deeper level of relaxation, oral sedation medication may be prescribed prior to the appointment. Your child will remain conscious but deeply at ease throughout treatment.
  • General anesthesia: For complex cases or children who are unable to cooperate with other sedation methods, Dr. Waggoner offers in-office general anesthesia and holds privileges at Providence St. Vincent Hospital and has the training to coordinate appropriate care.

Every sedation visit at our Lake Oswego office follows strict safety monitoring protocols, and Dr. Waggoner’s pediatric specialty training at Oregon Health and Science University ensures your child is in thoroughly qualified hands.

What to Expect at Your Child's Sedation Appointment

Preparation matters for sedation visits, and we make sure families feel confident going into the appointment. You will receive clear pre-visit instructions, including any dietary guidelines your child will need to follow, and our team is available by phone to answer questions before the day arrives. We provide handouts on all procedures with both pre and post-op instructions as well, so you can be appropriately prepared. 

The Day of the Appointment

On the day of the appointment, we focus on keeping your child calm and comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. We offer tools like weighted blankets and low lighting to ease nerves, and our team uses child-centered communication throughout the visit. Parents are encouraged to be a calm, steady presence, and we will guide you on how to support your child without inadvertently adding to their stress. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the dental team leads the experience, while parents serve as a quiet source of reassurance.

After the Appointment

After treatment wraps up, we review all post-care instructions and make sure your child is comfortable and stable before leaving. Our on-call dentist is also available after hours for any concerns that may arise following treatment.

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Why Lake Oswego Families Choose Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Tesha Waggoner completed her pediatric specialty training at OHSU in 2018 and holds membership in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. That level of training means every sedation decision is grounded in the most current, evidence-based standards for pediatric dental care. She and our team bring the same warm, welcoming environment that families at our main Portland location have come to love.

Our practice accepts a wide range of insurance plans and offers flexible financing options, so more families can access the care their children need. We also see patients with a broad range of needs and are committed to making every child feel at home in our office. To learn more about our practice and what sets us apart, take a look at our about us page.

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Schedule a Sedation Consultation at Pine Tree Pediatric Dentistry in Lake Oswego

If your child has struggled at previous dental appointments, or if you want to make sure an upcoming procedure goes as smoothly as possible, our team is here to help. We welcome new patients from Lake Oswego, Dunthorpe, Westlake, and the surrounding communities, and we are happy to answer any questions before you ever set foot in our office. We know that trust is built over time, and we are committed to earning yours from the very first conversation.

Getting started is easy. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation, or contact us through our website, and a member of our team will be in touch promptly. We look forward to meeting your family and helping your child feel great about their dental visits.

NEW LOCATION

We're coming to
Lake Oswego!

Opening July 2025 — Lake Oswego, OR
LAKE OSWEGO OFFICE

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!