At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we offer general anesthesia for our hospital cases and oral conscious sedation within our offices. Oral sedation is administered by our doctors in office and is used for patients who:

Due to age and high anxiety (dentalphobia) cannot cope with traditional dental treatment. Their fear and anxiety causes them a tremendous amount of stress.

In the event extensive work is required, it is much easier on a young patient to be treated under oral sedation to have the procedure done, than to endure long hours in the dental chair, or repeated visits.

What is oral (conscious) sedation?

Oral (conscious) sedation is a way of using medication to relax a child without the loss of consciousness.

Why do you use conscious sedation?

Conscious sedation aids in calming a child so that she can accept dental treatment in a more relaxed state. This can help prevent injury to the patient and provide a better environment for providing dental care.

What medications are used?

Many different agents can be used for conscious sedation, from inhalation agents to medicines provided orally. None of these sedatives render the child unconscious. Our doctors will discuss sedation recommendations.

Is oral sedation safe?

Pediatric dentists are trained to administer, monitor and manage sedated patients. Our doctors will discuss sedation options and procedures with you.

What special instructions should I follow before the sedation appointment?

To alleviate potential anxiety your pediatric dentist may recommend minimal discussion of the dental appointment with the child. Should your child become ill, contact our offices. It may be necessary to choose to arrange another appointment. It is important not to have a meal before a sedation appointment. Your doctor will inform you about food and fluid intake guidelines prior to the sedation appointment.

What special instructions should I follow after the sedation appointment?

Children who have been sedated are usually requested to return home for the remainder of the day with appropriate supervision. Your doctor will discuss specific post-sedation instructions with you, including appropriate diet, physical activity and requested supervision.

General anesthesia is administered under an anesthesiologist's care within the hospital or outpatient surgical center. This general anesthesia is used for those patients who:

Physically or mentally challenged children are also candidates for this type of treatment.

Some children, due to severe injury or illness, may already be hospitalized and require the services of our team while there.

Is general anesthesia safe?

An experienced health care provider, specifically trained in delivering general anesthesia, is responsible for the general anesthesia delivery, monitoring and medical care of the child. Many precautions are taken to provide safety for the child during general anesthesia care. Patients are monitored closely during the general anesthesia procedure by anesthesia personnel who are trained to manage complications. Your pediatric dentist will discuss the benefits and risks involved in general anesthesia and why it is recommended for your child's treatment.

What special considerations are associated with the general anesthesia appointment?

A physical examination is usually required prior to a general anesthesia appointment to complete dental care. This physical examination provides information to ensure the safety of the general anesthesia procedure. Our doctors will advise you about any evaluation appointments that may be requested.

There are usually several recommendations for the day of the general anesthesia appointment. Minimal discussion about the appointment may reduce anxiety. It is important not to have a meal before general anesthesia. You will be informed about food and fluid intake guidelines prior to the appointment. If your child is sick, contact our offices. It may be necessary to arrange another appointment.

Usually, children are tired following general anesthesia. It will most likely be best to return home with minimal activity planned for your child until the following day. After that, you can usually return to a routine schedule.

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