At Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing our young patients with a relaxed and positive experience when getting needed dental treatments. Some procedures are complex or extensive, and some children may have unique needs requiring general anesthesia. We are proud to offer in-office sedation options, including general anesthesia, and have also partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to provide the best possible dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. You can always count on us.

Anesthesia and Pediatric Dentistry

We offer sedation options for your child’s comfort and will only recommend general anesthesia when necessary. Your child will sleep throughout the procedure and won’t remember any of it, which will help alleviate fear and anxiety when it comes to future dental care. Our dental anesthesiologist will closely monitor your child’s vital signs to ensure a safe and positive experience. General anesthesia is often recommended for young children or toddlers undergoing lengthy dental procedures, as well as for children with heightened anxiety, those with special needs, or those that are medically compromised. Some children require a lot of dental work completed on multiple teeth, which can lead to anxiety. That is why we may recommend general anesthesia in order to complete all the treatment in one, comfortable and stress-free visit.

In-Office and At-Hospital General Anesthesia

Administered by an experienced anesthesiologist, our in-office sedation is a convenient, safe, and effective way to enable your child to get the needed care with minimal anxiety. Hospital general anesthesia, on the other hand, is offered as an outpatient procedure for children with special medical and dental needs. We will evaluate your child and will work with you to determine the best option for your child.

Before General Anesthesia

Before administering general anesthesia, we will provide you with instructions, including refraining from eating or drinking in the hours before the procedure. As a parent, you can help make your child’s experience a positive one. Make sure to remain calm and encouraging to help keep your child at ease. You may want to bring along a “comfort” item such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket for your child to hold. Talk or sing to your child, as the sound of your voice will help provide reassurance.

After General Anesthesia

Once the procedure is complete, we will move your child to a recovery room where we will carefully monitor the vital signs. Your child may feel dizzy and nauseous for a few hours after anesthesia and may have a sore throat and mouth for a day or two. Keep your child at home the day of treatment, and gauge how he or she feels the next day. Keep your child calm and relaxed after the procedure, and make sure to return for a follow-up visit as recommended.

When to Contact Our Office

Your child may experience some discomfort which you can help alleviate with the medication we will prescribe. In the unlikely event that your child has a fever, severe bleeding or pain, or severe vomiting or dizziness for more than 24 hours after the procedure, make sure to contact us right away.

Gentle Dentistry in Glendale, AZ

Contact Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our anxiety-free dentistry options. We are committed to providing your child with the best possible care with the least amount of anxiety or discomfort. Call us today!