Poway Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry Services
in Poway, CA
Is Your Little Patient More Than a Little Nervous?
Does your child get extra-nervous at the prospect of visiting the dentist? Whether they have extra-sensitive teeth and gums, gag easily, or just work themselves up into more worry than it’s worth, it might be worth considering sedation dentistry.
Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers safe, effective options in Poway that can help your child can get the oral care they need, without undue stress.

The Very Best in
Comfort Dentistry
Safe, Effective Sedation Options to Suit Every Patient
There are a variety of methods to choose from, depending on the desired effect. At Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, in Poway, CA, we offer:
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide can help reduce patient anxiety with a few simple breaths. A mask is used to deliver the gas, and the effect kicks in after a few minutes. We’ll administer a dosage that is just enough to help your child feel calm and relaxed while they’re in the chair. By the time you leave our office, the effects will have worn off.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered intravenously into the veins. The effect is rapid and complete relaxation. Although your child may not fall asleep completely, they may close their eyes—any traces of anxiety or pain will be eliminated as we perform the necessary dental work. Just like with nitrous oxide, we’ll prescribe a dosage that’s right for your child to achieve the desired level and length of sedation.
General Anesthesia
When young patients require more complicated dental work, general anesthesia can be used to help them fall completely asleep. Dr. Johnson, our anesthesiologist, is licensed to ensure your child’s safety, and monitors their condition closely throughout the procedure. When we’re finished, your child will wake up with no memory of their visit.

We’ll Help Your Child Relax
Your Child Is in Good Hands at Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry

Meet Your Pediatric Anesthesiologist
Effective Methods Delivered by Expert Hands
Im Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is pleased to offer pediatric dental sedation services in our Poway, CA, facility. Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities, which is why we’ve partnered with Dr. Tyler Johnson—a dual board-certified dental anesthesiologist and the founder and owner of San Diego Dental Anesthesia—to offer you the very best in sedation dentistry.
In addition to serving more than 60 pediatric specialists within greater San Diego, Dr. Johnson also lectures pediatric residents about emergency management and in-office general anesthesia for children. Dr. Johnson was also awarded Excellence in the Field of Dental Anesthesia by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), as well as graduating first in his class.
Testimonials
"Dr. Im and her staff are excellent. They are all so friendly and really know how to make my children and me comfortable throughout the entire visit!"
"The office staff is super nice and willing to work with you on appt scheduling, payments, anything! I had a ton of questions and they were all answered promptly and politely."
"They take extra care with the kids and are very patient with them. Not a tear shed during the experience. I highly recommend them!"
"My daughter was anxious about going to the dentist for the first time, but Dr. Im made her feel very comfortable by making her smile and laugh."
"Still absolutely love this dentist. Each chair has a TV screen or an iPad with Netflix and my daughter never wants to leave! We were expected to have a 4-6 month orthodontia treatment and 5 months later she's done!"
"Dr. Im and her staff are awesome. My children feel very comfortable here. My daughters always look forward to retrieving their prize at the end of their check up. I wouldn't take my kids anywhere else."
"Dr. Ellen is excellent! Definitely, hands down the best pediatric office! My Son had to get some treatment done and without a doubt Dr. Ellen was extremely caring and fun!"
"Dr. Ellen Im is a dentist that is extremely careful and caring to her patients. I highly suggest you go here because it is a great dentistry and the prices are pretty cheap considering this dentistry is amazing."
"Dr. Ellen Im is the most caring dentist I have ever met. My daughter loves coming to see her and we would never think to go anywhere else. She is amazing with the kids and takes her time. Her staff is wonderful and friendly."
"Dr. Ellen is amazing! My boys all loved her and felt comfortable around her. Which is a very big deal. I recommend anybody who wants to take their children to a dentist who will actually care about your child, to see them."
"My two girls have been with Dr Ellen I’m since their first dentist visit! We love going to the dentist. The staff is so friendly and responsive to any of our concerns. We’ve also had one daughter in braces for two sessions a d it’s been a very positive experience. Can’t say enough about this gem in Poway!"
"Dr Ellen Im has a heart of gold. I have been bringing my boys (now 14 & 17) for the past 11 years. She is always thoughtful, understanding, respectful to her patients needs and parents concerns. Her team are all very kind, caring and professional. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs a referral ❤️"
"I took my son to Dr. Ellen Im Pediatric Dentistry for the first time, and it was an amazing experience! Dr. Ellen is incredibly skilled, patient, and so gentle. My son was completely calm throughout the visit—he never protested at all, which is a huge win for us! I could tell he felt comfortable and at ease with her gentle touch. Her staff was also fantastic—super friendly, welcoming, and professional. From start to finish, everything was smooth and stress-free. I’m beyond grateful to have found this clinic and highly recommend Dr. Ellen to any parent looking for a wonderful pediatric dentist!"
"I had an exceptional experience bringing my children in for their recall appointments yesterday, and I can't recommend this office enough! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm and welcoming pediatric front team. The office is spotless, well-organized, and creates such a pleasant atmosphere. Julie, the dental assistant, was so friendly and took amazing care of one of my children—she truly made them feel at ease. Dr. Ellen was incredible, getting us in for same-day treatment to take care of a filling. The wait was minimal, and we were treated with such kindness and patience throughout the entire visit. I had mentally prepared for a potentially difficult experience, but to my surprise, the treatment went smoothly, and we left the treatment room feeling calm and happy. To top it off, Christian, the Orthodontic Coordinator, managed to fit in an orthodontic consult with Dr. Chanard during the same visit, even though it was very time-sensitive. I truly appreciated how efficiently everything was handled and how well they managed our time. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend this office for anyone looking for top-notch dental and orthodontic care!"
"We have been going to Dr Ellen for the last 7-8 years now and we love her and her team. Everyone is always friendly and kind. The offices are very clean and we are always in and out quickly. Not rushed, just efficient. No child wants to sit at the dentist longer than they have to and my son leaves in a good mood with a fun toy for being good."
"We absolutely love this dental office! The service is exceptional, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. The owner is always so friendly and smiling—she truly knows how to make kids feel comfortable. It’s no secret that many kids dread going to the dentist, but mine are the complete opposite! The moment I tell them it’s time for a visit, they get excited and can’t wait to go. It’s amazing to see a dental office that creates such a positive experience for children. Highly recommend!"
"This is by far the BEST pediatric dentist I've ever taken my children to. Heck, I'm mad they can't take me in too, in all honesty But really, I was actually complimenting one of the dental technicians just the other day as I took my son in for his ortho appointment. The atmosphere is always chipper and harmonious. Everybody is extremely professional, polite, and knowledgeable. The facility is always clean. Pricing is fair and follow up appointments are regularly scheduled with no issues. The care is outstanding every time we call or visit. I mean, what more can you really want? The location is convenient and parking is plentiful. Again, I'm just mad they won't take care of my adult teeth "


