Special needs & sedation
We see many children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory processing differences, cerebral palsy and complex medical histories. Before the first visit, we talk with you about triggers, ...
What this actually means
We see many children with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory processing differences, cerebral palsy and complex medical histories. Before the first visit, we talk with you about triggers, comforts and what has worked before. Visits can be booked at quiet times, in our private room, with lights dimmed and extra time built in.
When a child needs more than comfort measures, we offer a ladder of options: laughing gas, oral conscious sedation in office, and general anesthesia at a Boise children's hospital partner with a board-certified anesthesiologist. We always start with the gentlest option that will work safely.
What is included
No line items sprung on you afterwards. Here is everything that happens in this appointment.
- Pre-visit call to plan sensory needs
- Social story and photos sent before the visit
- Quiet first or last appointments of the day
- Weighted blanket, noise-canceling headphones, dimmed lights
- Laughing gas and oral sedation options
- Hospital dentistry with full treatment in one visit
How the visit goes
Four steps, start to finish, so your child knows what is coming next.
- Step 1
Talk
A planning call covers triggers, communication style and medical history.
- Step 2
Practice
Optional happy visits with no treatment, just getting familiar.
- Step 3
Choose
We recommend the gentlest sedation level that will work safely.
- Step 4
Care
Treatment with your child's comforts in place and parents nearby.
Why parents choose this
The practical payoff, in plain language.
No rushing
Extra time is built into every special needs visit.
Sensory-friendly
Headphones, blankets, sunglasses and a quiet room.
Hospital privileges
Complete care under anesthesia when needed.
What it usually costs
We verify your benefits before treatment and hand you a written estimate. No surprises on the way out.
- Laughing gas
- From $55 (sample)
- Oral conscious sedation
- From $325 (sample)
- Hospital dentistry
- Facility and anesthesia billed separately
- Medicaid
- Idaho Smiles accepted
Sample prices for illustration. We verify medical and dental coverage before hospital care.
The sedation ladder
We always start with the gentlest option that will work safely, and we explain each step before you decide. Hospital dentistry is there when a child needs everything done in one visit.
Option 1 of 4
Comfort care
Tell-show-do, headphones, weighted blanket, ceiling TV and extra time. Works for most kids.
Often used for: Mild nerves, first visitsOption 2 of 4
Laughing gas
Nitrous oxide through a small nose mask. Kids stay awake and relaxed, and it wears off within minutes.
Often used for: Fillings, crowns, mild anxietyOption 3 of 4
Oral conscious sedation
A prescribed medicine given in the office. Kids are drowsy and calm, monitored the whole time.
Often used for: Moderate anxiety, longer visitsOption 4 of 4
Hospital dentistry
General anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist at a Boise children's hospital partner. All treatment in one visit.
Often used for: Extensive treatment, complex medical or special needs
Often booked together
Families who come in for this usually ask about these too.
Checkups & cleanings
Gentle six-month visits with counting games, a tooth-tickle polish and a prize at the end.
Read more
Baby tooth crowns & pulp therapy
Durable kid crowns and gentle nerve treatment that keep baby teeth working until they are ready to fall out.
Read more
Kids' dental emergencies
Same-day help for knocked-out teeth, chipped smiles, swelling and toothaches.
Read more
Special needs & sedation questions
Still unsure? Our coordinators answer these on the phone every day.
All parent questionsWhen given by trained providers with proper monitoring, yes. We follow American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry sedation guidelines, and hospital cases are managed by an anesthesiologist.
Yes. We continue caring for many patients into their twenties and help transition to an adult special needs dentist when the time is right.
We send clear fasting instructions, a social story and a checklist. Bring a comfort item and wear comfy clothes.
Happy teeth start here
New patients are usually seen within 10 days. Tell us a little about your child and we will call to confirm a time that works.
