Now Accepting New Patients

Santa Maria Pediatric Sedation Dentist

Helping children achieve the smile they deserve

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Or call (805) 922-9626

Preventive & restorative pediatric dental services

General anesthesia and minimally invasive cavity treatment available

Spanish speaking pediatric dentist & staff

Pediatric preventive dentist in Santa Maria accepting Denti-Cal

A comfortable way for kids to get the treatment they need

Is your child nervous to come to the dentist? Don’t worry — it’s completely normal for children to be hesitant. Receiving oral care can be unusual for patients of all ages.

At Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry, we know that developing a positive relationship with oral health is an important part of dentistry for children. That’s why we offer pediatric sedation dentistry options for children to ensure their comfort throughout their dental appointments. With sedation treatment, your child will have their fears put at ease and be able to get the dental treatments that will keep them healthy.

Benefits of sedation dentistry for children from Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry

Nitrous oxide mild sedation and general anesthesia are available
Provides a more comfortable experience for your child
Eases nerves for children with dental anxiety
Can allow treatment for children who might otherwise be too frightened to receive treatment

Did you know?

Denti-Cal and most dental insurances cover 100% of most pediatric preventive dentistry treatments? Contact us to learn more about your specific coverage.

Hear from our patients

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A really amazing experience! Dr. Pederson was so nice and welcoming. I am definitely excited to bring my kids back here in 6 months! Thank you Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry!

– Jasmine V.

Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Treatment Options

Nitrous Oxide

Administered in the dental office for routine dental treatment, nitrous oxide helps children who want to cooperate but may be a little nervous. This will not put your child asleep, but they will be more relaxed and it is usually enough to help kids complete their needed dental treatment. Nitrous oxide takes just a couple of minutes to kick in and leaves their system almost immediately when the appointment is finished. Nitrous oxide is not strong enough to relax an extremely fearful child, or a child who has no interest in cooperating.

General Anesthesia

This sedation option puts your child in a state of closely monitored unconsciousness. This is a good option for children who are unable to tolerate dental treatment or who are too nervous to be awake for treatment, or who have very extensive treatment needs. This form of sedation takes place at a nearby surgery center or Marian hospital for medically complex children. Your child will receive an exam by the anesthesiologist prior to treatment, and be monitored continuously to ensure safety during treatment.

Preventive Dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

Yes! We work with a very experienced, conservative anesthesia team that is extremely capable of delivering safe, effective general anesthesia for your child. In-office, we are licensed and qualified to administer nitrous oxide treatment to your child, and have the experience and training to make sure the entire experience is safe.

Do you offer moderate sedation?

At this time we are not offering moderate sedation for our patients (sometimes referred to as ‘conscious sedation’). With moderate sedation, a child will take an oral sedative prior to treatment in the dental office. This can be an excellent option for children with limited but invasive treatment needs, such as 1-2 extractions. If moderate sedation seems to be a good option for your child, we are happy to recommend a nearby office that offers this.

Do all children need sedation dentistry?

While sedation treatment is a good option for some children, many will not need sedation treatment. We work to provide a comfortable experience for all children at our practice. For some, this will include sedation treatment.

Is restorative care covered by insurance?

While every insurance policy is different, most insurance plans cover at least a portion of Santa Maria pediatric sedation dentistry treatments. Contact us for full details of your coverage.

Denti-Cal & most insurance accepted

We are in network with most PPO dental insurances, and are the only local pediatric dental specialist accepting Denti-Cal. Not sure if your specific plan is accepted? Contact us today for a complimentary benefits check.

No insurance? We’ve got you covered.

We offer an in-house discount plan and payment plans to help you afford care.

Our in-house discount plan includes:

2 comprehensive exams and cleanings per year, including any needed x-rays
Discounts on any needed treatment

All Families Welcome

At Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to offer a comfortable dentistry experience to all families in our community.

We offer a full range of restorative and preventive services in a comforting and encouraging environment. At your child’s appointment, we’ll provide an update on their oral health and fill you in on any recommended treatments, including pediatric sedation dentistry.

You can trust Dr. Pedersen to provide a comfortable and encouraging oral health experience.