Sedation Dentistry Waltham, MA
“100% recommended.”
- Compassionate Pediatric Experts
- Tailored Sedation Solutions
- Tufts-Trained Specialists
Safe, Soothing Dental Care Designed Just for Kids
At Children’s Dental of Waltham, we know that a trip to the dentist can feel overwhelming, especially for young patients. That’s why we’ve built an experience centered on comfort, compassion, and clinical excellence. From our multilingual team and kid-friendly amenities to our advanced sedation options, everything we do is designed to help your child feel relaxed and cared for at every visit.
Our pediatric dentists are Tufts-trained and have decades of experience treating children of all ages. Whether your little one needs a routine filling or more complex care, we offer safe, personalized sedation, so even the most anxious kids can get the treatment they need without fear or stress.
Ready to see how comfortable dental care can be? Book a consultation at our Waltham office today! We’re here to help your child smile with confidence.
Designed for Comfort, Inside and Out
From the moment your child steps into our Waltham dental office, they'll feel right at home. Our clean, colorful play area is more than just fun; it reflects our philosophy of making dental visits something kids can actually look forward to. With a wide selection of toys, games, an iPad, and a GameCube, we help ease nerves before appointments even begin.
Our cheerful team is warm, welcoming, and trained to support children of all personalities and comfort levels. We proudly offer multilingual care, including English and Spanish, so families feel heard and understood.
Once in the chair, we use gentle techniques and tools like the virtually pain-free WaterLase® system, which eliminates the need for scary sounds or sharp instruments during many procedures. We walk kids through each step of treatment using positive language and calm explanations, helping them feel informed, empowered, and most of all, safe.
3 Reasons to Consider Sedation Dentistry for a Pediatric Patient
Fearful or anxious children can become unnecessarily stressed during dental treatment, resulting in a negative experience for both the patient and the parent. Sedation dentistry with Dr. Yelena Gutnichenko or Dr. Carmen Brambila can:
Sedation induces feelings of calmness, so your child remains comfortable during their dental care appointment. In many cases, your child will have little to no memory of the procedure, which helps prevent anxiety from worsening.
Anxious patients tend to move around more in the dental chair, which can make the dentist's work more difficult. Sedation helps reduce movement so your dentist can complete treatment more efficiently.
Certain procedures, such as dental extractions, require the use of local anesthesia. Sedation allows us to complete this step after your child is comfortable. This is particularly helpful if your child has a fear of needles.
Dental Anxiety Is Common Among Children
When to Consider Sedation Dentistry for Your Child
Children may struggle with dental anxiety for many different reasons. You may want to consider sedation if your child has:
A Strong Gag Reflex
Claustrophobia
Past Negative Dental Experiences
Fear of Injections
Difficulty Controlling Movements
Our team at Children’s Dental of Waltham focuses exclusively on caring for kids. We know how to explain dental treatments in easy-to-understand terms and make the new experience fun and exciting, rather than scary.
Safe Sedation Choices for Every Child
Nitrous Oxide
For some dental procedures, we will only need to administer local anesthesia to numb the area. For others, we may recommend additional sedation such as nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide (also called "laughing gas") is administered via inhalation through a nose mask. The effects are typically felt within five minutes. Your child will be deeply relaxed, though still completely awake. He or she may be a little giggly and talkative, as well. In addition to being fast-acting, nitrous oxide wears off quickly. As soon as we remove the mask and administer pure oxygen, the effects will start to dissipate. Nitrous oxide is considered a light form of conscious sedation. Thanks to its conservative nature, there are negligible risks involved, even for very young patients.
General Anesthesia
If your child has severe dental anxiety and needs a lengthy procedure, we may recommend general anesthesia. The medication will be administered intravenously to help your child fall into a deep, sleep-like state. For these cases, Dr. Brambila will complete your child's dental care at Franciscan Children's Hospital in Brighton, MA, alongside a certified anesthesiologist. During your child's dental procedure, a strict protocol will be followed to ensure his or her safety and well-being. This includes monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and temperature. Upon waking, your child will be groggy for much of the day. Side effects from general anesthesia may include nausea, vomiting, fussiness, dizziness, or crying.
Another 5-Star Review
“Dr. Yelena Gutnichenko is an amazing doctor! My 8 year old daughter has been a patient of Dr. Yelena since she was 4 years old! And I am so lucky that now my other 2.5 year old daughter is also receiving such an amazing care with this practice!” — Katsiaryna, 5-Star Review
