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Sedation Dentistry

General Anesthesia

When a child needs extensive treatment or can't be comfortable any other way, general anesthesia lets them sleep peacefully while we care for their smile, all in one visit, fully monitored and safe.

All Pediatric Dentistry

What Is General Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry?

Under general anesthesia, your child is fully asleep and feels nothing during treatment. It's administered and monitored by a trained anesthesia provider, which lets us complete a lot of careful dental work in a single, comfortable visit.

It's the deepest level of sedation we offer, beyond oral sedation, and we reserve it for the times it truly serves your child best.

Fully asleep, feels nothing

Your child sleeps peacefully through treatment and wakes up when it's done.

Anesthesia pro + monitoring

Delivered by a trained anesthesia provider with continuous monitoring.

All care in one visit

We can complete a lot of careful dental work in a single, comfortable appointment.

A caring team safely monitoring a child under general anesthesia

Is General Anesthesia Safe for My Child?

General anesthesia for children is performed with a trained anesthesia professional, continuous monitoring of your child's vital signs, and a thorough review of their health history beforehand. We only recommend it when the benefits clearly outweigh the alternatives, and we'll explain exactly why it's the right choice for your child.

Recommended only when it's the kindest option

If lighter sedation can get your child the care they need, we'll use that first. General anesthesia is for when it genuinely makes treatment safer and gentler.

Before & After: What to Expect

We'll prepare you for every step so the day feels calm and predictable.

1

A fasting window

We'll give you clear instructions on when your child should stop eating and drinking.

2

Asleep for treatment

Your child sleeps peacefully while the anesthesia provider monitors them and we complete the work.

3

A calm recovery

They wake up gently and rest with us until they're ready to head home.

4

A quiet day

Expect drowsiness for the rest of the day, with an adult to watch over them.

Who It's For, and When It's the Best Option

It's often the kindest choice for very young children, kids who need a large amount of treatment at once, children with significant dental anxiety, or many children with special healthcare needs for whom staying still and calm simply isn't possible. When lighter options aren't enough, this lets your child get everything done at once.

We only recommend general anesthesia when it's genuinely the safest, kindest way for your child to get the care they need.

Common questions

Will my child be completely asleep?

Yes. Under general anesthesia your child is fully asleep and unaware of treatment, then wakes up once it's complete.

Who monitors my child during anesthesia?

A trained anesthesia provider administers the anesthesia and continuously monitors your child's vital signs throughout the visit.

How long does recovery take?

Most children are drowsy for the rest of the day and feel back to normal within a day. We'll give you detailed aftercare instructions.

Where to go next

Oral Sedation A lighter, awake option.
Sleep Dentistry Sleeping through care.
Special Needs Care Individualized support.
Services & Treatments What we can treat in one visit.

Need to be seen?

Call your office first — most pediatric dentistry are seen the same day.

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All Pediatric Dentistry · Dentistry & Orthodontics

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