General Anesthesia

These cases are performed off-site at either a hospital or surgery center where an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist can safely administer this type of sedation so the dentist can focus on performing the procedure. The effect of general anesthesia is that the child will sleep peacefully, unable to disrupt the operation or feel any pain. Intubation is necessary for this type of sedation, and the child also requires an intravenous (IV) to have it administered. (More detailed information regarding this process/procedure will be provided to you during a General Anesthesia (GA) consultation in-office.)

General Anesthesia is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation. General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he/she was having their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or hernia repaired. This is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only. It is important to understand that the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options. However, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of this treatment have been deemed to outweigh the risks. Most pediatric medical literature places the risk of a serious reaction in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far better than the assumed risk of even driving a car daily. The inherent risks if this is not chosen are multiple appointments, potential for physical restraint to complete treatment and possible emotional and/or physical injury to your child in order to complete their dental treatment. The risks of NO treatment include tooth pain, infection, swelling, the spread of new decay, damage to their developing adult teeth and possible life-threatening hospitalization from a dental infection.