Sedation Dentistry in Charlotte, NC

For many children, the dental chair can feel like the most intimidating place in the world, and for parents of kids who are very young, highly anxious, or have special healthcare needs, getting through a dental appointment can feel just as stressful. Dental fear is one of the most common reasons children avoid necessary care, and when treatment gets delayed, small problems have a way of becoming much bigger ones. The good news is that modern pediatric sedation dentistry makes it possible for children to receive the care they need in a way that is safe, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible for the whole family.

At University Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Funny and our team are proud to offer a range of sedation options designed specifically for children. As a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience leading our owner-operated practice, Dr. Funny brings both clinical skill and genuine compassion to every sedation appointment. Our goal is to match each child with the gentlest, most appropriate level of sedation, one that meets their needs. Our full list of pediatric dental services is built around the belief that every child deserves a positive experience at the dentist, and sedation dentistry is a cornerstone of making that a reality.

What Is Pediatric Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses carefully selected medications to help children feel relaxed, comfortable, and free from anxiety during dental treatment. Far from being a last resort, sedation is a well-established, evidence-based tool that allows dentists to provide thorough, effective treatment while keeping children calm and safe.

The right sedation option for your child depends on their age, medical history, level of anxiety, and the complexity of the treatment being performed. Dr. Funny conducts a comprehensive evaluation before any sedation appointment and walks you through exactly what to expect, so you feel fully informed and confident every step of the way.

Sedation Options We Offer

At University Pediatric Dentistry, we offer multiple levels of sedation to meet a wide range of needs. Here is an overview of the options available at our practice:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): The mildest and most commonly used form of sedation in pediatric dentistry, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask and creates a gentle sense of relaxation. Children remain fully awake and responsive, and the effects wear off within minutes of treatment ending.
• In-office general anesthesia: For children who need more extensive treatment or who are unable to cooperate with traditional dental care, we offer general anesthesia administered right here in our office. This option allows Dr. Funny to complete comprehensive treatment in a single visit while your child sleeps comfortably.
• Hospital-based general anesthesia: In some cases, particularly for children with complex medical or healthcare needs, general anesthesia is best performed in a hospital setting. The determining factors typically include the child’s overall healthcare profile, and Dr. Funny works closely with hospital teams to ensure a safe, seamless experience.

No matter which option is recommended, every sedation appointment includes careful pre-sedation screening, continuous monitoring throughout the procedure, and thorough post-sedation instructions so you know exactly how to care for your child after treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation can be a meaningful solution for a wide range of children, and Dr. Funny takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to determining whether it is the right fit for your child.

Children With Dental Anxiety or Fear

Dental anxiety is incredibly common among children and should never be dismissed. When fear keeps a child from sitting still for care, sedation offers real relief. Rather than pushing a child through a stressful experience, sedation allows us to create a positive association with the dentist’s office, one many children carry into future visits.

Children With Special Healthcare Needs

Children with developmental differences, sensory processing challenges, or other special healthcare needs may find traditional dental appointments difficult to manage. Our office is designed with these children in mind, with adjustable lighting, quiet treatment spaces, and sensory toys available. For children who need an additional layer of support, sedation paired with our special needs dentistry approach can make dental care genuinely manageable.

Children Requiring Extensive Treatment

Sometimes a child needs multiple procedures completed in a single appointment, or the nature of the treatment requires a level of stillness that is unrealistic for a young child. In these cases, sedation allows Dr. Funny to complete thorough, high-quality work efficiently while minimizing the overall stress on both the child and the family.

Safety Is Always Our Priority When It Comes to Our Patients’ Care

We understand the idea of sedation can feel daunting for parents, and we want to assure you safety is at the center of everything we do. Dr. Funny follows the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and monitors every child carefully throughout their appointment. 

All children are evaluated in advance to confirm they are strong candidates for the recommended sedation type, and all necessary emergency equipment is maintained and readily accessible in our office. This commitment to safety is an extension of our broader preventive care philosophy: thorough, communicative, and always conservative in approach.

Choose University Pediatric Dentistry in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Funny’s board certification in pediatric dentistry and her deep commitment to serving every child, including those with the most complex needs, make her one of Charlotte’s most trusted providers of sedation care for children. To learn more about her background and our team, visit our meet our doctors page.

We are in-network with Delta Dental PPO and welcome patients with all other PPO plans as an out-of-network provider. Flexible payment options, including CareCredit, HSA/FSA, and our in-house Dental HQ membership plan, are available on our financial options page. If you have questions about sedation or would like to find out whether your child is a candidate, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve families throughout Charlotte, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and Kannapolis, NC.