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AWARD WINNING DENTISTS
The Best Team of Dentists
Led by Dr. Kenny Tse Jr. and Dr. Katherine Kieu, our professionals combine expertise with a compassionate approach.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
8:30am - 5:30pm
Closed for Lunch 12:45 - 2:00pm.
Check out our working hours and choose a time that fits your family’s schedule!​
PARKING
Parking Spot
Hassle-free parking right at our doorstep, so you can focus on your little one’s smile!
Gentle Sedation for a Stress-Free Experience
At Chompers Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves a dental experience that feels safe, calm, and empowering. That’s why we offer carefully selected sedation options, always personalized to your child’s needs.
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Whether your child feels nervous about the dentist, needs extensive treatment, or has unique healthcare needs, we’re here to make their experience as easy and positive as possible.
Our Sedation Philosophy
Sedation isn’t about “putting children to sleep.” It’s about creating a gentle, supportive environment where children can get the care they need without stress or fear.
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We always take a conservative, safety-first approach, matching the lightest and safest sedation method to your child’s needs. Every option is explained in detail, and we work closely with parents every step of the way.
When We Recommend Sedation
Sedation may be recommended if your child:
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Has dental anxiety or fear of dental procedures
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Is too young to tolerate treatment comfortably
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Needs significant or complex dental work
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Has a strong gag reflex or difficulty getting numb
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Has developmental or medical needs that make traditional treatment more challenging
Every child is different — and so is their care plan.​
Sedation Options at Chompers
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is a mild, safe sedative that helps your child feel relaxed during treatment.
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Inhaled through a soft nose mask
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Takes effect quickly
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Allows your child to stay awake and responsive
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Wears off within minutes of stopping
Nitrous is ideal for children with mild to moderate anxiety or those undergoing shorter procedures.
2. General Anesthesia (In-Office)
With Dr. David Mead, Medical Anesthesiologist
For children who need a deeper level of sedation, we offer hospital-grade general anesthesia right here in our office, administered by our trusted anesthesiologist, Dr. David Mead.
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Your child sleeps comfortably through the procedure
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Dr. Mead monitors your child continuously from start to finish
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This allows treatment to be completed safely and efficiently
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Avoids the stress of hospital or surgery center referrals
Meet Dr. David Mead
Board-Certified Medical Anesthesiologist
Former Chief of Anesthesiology, Children’s Hospital of Oakland
At Chompers, we understand that some parents may feel uneasy about IV sedation. That’s why we work exclusively with Dr. David Mead, a board-certified anesthesiologist with extensive experience in pediatric care and hospital-level anesthesia.
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Dr. Mead previously served as Chief of Anesthesiology at Children’s Hospital of Oakland, and now brings that same level of care and attention to every child he sees at Chompers.
Why We Don’t Offer Oral Sedation
Some parents ask about oral sedation (liquid or pill medication given before treatment). At Chompers, we do not offer oral sedation, and here’s why:
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Oral medications cannot be adjusted once taken
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Results can be unpredictable from child to child
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Monitoring is limited compared to nitrous or general anesthesia
We prioritize methods that offer maximum safety and real-time control, like nitrous oxide or in-office general anesthesia with Dr. Mead.
What to Expect After Sedation
After Nitrous Oxide:
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Wears off within minutes
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Your child can return to normal activities right away
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After General Anesthesia:
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Your child may feel drowsy or groggy for a few hours
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Encourage rest and fluids
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Soft foods are best for the rest of the day
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Avoid strenuous activity until fully alert
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You’ll receive customized aftercare instructions at the visit. And we’re always just a phone call away if you have questions.
Our Promise
At Chompers, we’re committed to making dental care safe, gentle, and comfortable for every child — whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more complex procedure under sedation.
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📞 Have questions? Contact Us to schedule a consultation.
Let’s work together to give your child the positive dental experience they deserve.
More Smiles Per Hour!
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When should my child have their first dental visit?The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth coming in. At Chompers, we welcome babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages for their first visit—even if they’re well beyond their first birthday. It’s never too early or too late to get started.
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Are baby teeth really that important?Absolutely! Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, and maintain space for their permanent teeth. They also play a key role in guiding healthy jaw development. Even though they eventually fall out, taking care of baby teeth now can prevent big problems down the road. Many parents are surprised to learn that the last baby teeth don’t fall out until middle school—and sometimes not until high school!
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My child is nervous about the dentist. Can you help?Yes—we specialize in working with anxious, sensitive, or fearful children. Our team uses a calm, kid-friendly approach that focuses on building trust over time. Many families choose us specifically for our ability to turn nervous patients into confident, smiling pros.
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Do you offer fluoride-free options?We do! While we believe fluoride is a safe and effective tool for preventing cavities, we respect every family’s preferences. If you prefer fluoride-free care, we’ll work with you to create a prevention plan that aligns with your values while still protecting your child’s oral health. Learn more about our fluoride-free approach
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When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?As soon as the first tooth appears! For infants, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water (or a rice-sized smear of toothpaste if using fluoride). We’ll guide you on brushing techniques, product recommendations, and how to make it part of your child’s daily routine.
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Do you take X-rays? Are they safe for kids?Yes, we take digital X-rays only when necessary—and they’re very safe. Our pediatric specialists follow strict guidelines and use low-dose radiation technology. X-rays help us detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or problems below the surface.
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What are dental sealants, and should my child get them?Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars). They help prevent cavities in areas where toothbrushes can’t easily reach. We recommend sealants for permanent molars, and the first ones usually erupt around age 6. The process is quick, painless, and very effective—especially for kids still learning to brush thoroughly.
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Do you use sedation for dental work?We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help kids relax during dental procedures. For more complex or difficult scenarios, we partner with a Medical Anesthesiologist to safely provide general anesthesia in-office. Your child’s comfort and safety are always our top priority.
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What if my child has special healthcare needs?Our pediatric dental team has extensive experience caring for children with a wide range of developmental, medical, and behavioral conditions. We take the time to understand your child’s unique needs and customize their care accordingly. If you have questions before booking, feel free to call us so we can prepare for a successful visit.
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Do families travel to Chompers from outside South San Francisco?Yes! While we’re proudly located in South San Francisco, many families come from all over the Bay Area—and even out of state—for our specialized, child-centered approach. Whether you're local or visiting from afar, you'll feel right at home here.