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General Anesthesia
At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that some dental procedures require a higher level of sedation to ensure the safety and comfort of your child. General anesthesia is an effective option for children who need extensive dental work, have special needs, or experience severe anxiety. Our board-certified pediatric dentists, including Dr. Poonam Shah and Dr. Kara Whittington, are experienced in providing safe and effective general anesthesia for children.
What Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia involves using medication to induce a sleep-like state, ensuring that your child is completely unconscious and pain-free during their dental procedure. This type of anesthesia is administered by specially trained professionals and is used for more complex or lengthy dental treatments.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
General anesthesia is recommended for children who:
- Require extensive dental work that cannot be completed in a single visit with lesser sedation methods
- Have special needs that make it difficult to undergo dental procedures in a regular office setting
- Have severe dental anxiety or behavioral issues that prevent them from sitting still during treatment
- Need oral surgery or other invasive dental procedures
If your child fits any of these criteria, general anesthesia may be the best option to ensure they receive the necessary dental care in a safe and controlled environment.
How It Works
In-Office General Anesthesia
- Administration: In-office general anesthesia is tailored to meet the needs of ambulatory surgery. Short-acting anesthetic medications are administered intravenously before and during the procedure, ensuring your child is completely unconscious and pain-free.
- During the Procedure: While under general anesthesia, your child will be closely monitored by our dental team and anesthesia professionals to ensure their safety and well-being. The level of anesthesia can be adjusted as needed to maintain a stable and controlled environment.
- Recovery: After the procedure, your child will be monitored as they wake up from the anesthesia. Most children can go home shortly after the procedure but will need to rest for the remainder of the day. Our team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Hospital General Anesthesia
- Administration: Hospital general anesthesia is used for children who need extensive dental work or have special circumstances that make in-office treatment difficult. This type of anesthesia is administered in a hospital setting by specially trained doctors or nurses.
- During the Procedure: Your child will be completely unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure, with continuous monitoring by anesthesia professionals to ensure their safety.
- Recovery: Recovery from hospital general anesthesia is similar to in-office anesthesia. Your child will be monitored as they wake up and will need to rest at home for the remainder of the day. Parents will receive specific post-operative care instructions to help their child recover safely.
What Does It Do?
General anesthesia ensures that your child remains completely unconscious and does not experience any pain or discomfort during the dental procedure. It allows our dental team to perform complex and lengthy treatments efficiently and safely, providing comprehensive dental care in a controlled environment.
Recovery
After the procedure, your child will be monitored as they wake up from the anesthesia. It is normal for children to feel groggy or sleepy for several hours after the procedure. It is important to allow them to rest and recover fully before resuming normal activities. Our team will provide detailed post-sedation care instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. Plan for a quiet day at home to help your child recover comfortably.
Why Choose Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics?
Our team of experienced and board-certified pediatric dentists, including Dr. Poonam Shah, Dr. Kara Whittington, and Dr. Joanna Ayala, is dedicated to providing the highest quality care tailored to the unique needs of children in San Antonio and surrounding areas like Kerrville, Comfort, and Bandera.
We utilize the latest dental technology to provide the best care possible. From digital X-rays to advanced sterilization techniques, our commitment to modern technology ensures your child receives the safest and most effective treatments.
With multiple locations and flexible office hours, including evenings and weekends, we make it easy for you to access the care your child needs. Visit us in Kerrville, Comfort, Medina, Bandera, Mountain Home, and Fredericksburg.
Schedule Your Child's General Anesthesia Appointment Today!
If your child needs dental treatment and you think general anesthesia might be the right option to help them feel at ease, contact Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment. Our team is here to ensure your child receives the best care possible. Visit our contact page to book your appointment today.
