Hospital Dentistry

Is hospital dentistry right for my child?

Pediatric hospital dentistry services may be ideal for children who:

• Are unable to cooperate due to a lack of psychological or emotional maturity and/or mental, physical, or medical disability
• Cannot achieve effective local anesthesia due to acute infection, anatomical variations, or allergies
• Are extremely uncooperative, fearful, or anxious
• Are precommunicative or noncommunicative
• Require significant surgical procedures that can be combined with dental treatments to reduce the number of anesthetic exposures
• May benefit from GA to protect their developing psyche and/or reduce medical risks
• Require immediate, comprehensive oral/dental care (e.g., due to dental trauma, severe infection/cellulitis, or acute pain)

General Anesthesia

During hospital-based dental procedures, the anesthesia will be managed by the hospital’s specialized anesthesia team. They are responsible for all aspects of the anesthesia, from administering medication to continuously monitoring your child’s vital signs throughout the procedure. This ensures your child’s safety and comfort while allowing our dental team to focus exclusively on providing high-quality dental care.

Before the procedure, it is essential to follow the detailed instructions provided by both the doctor and the hospital. This typically includes guidelines regarding food and drink restrictions prior to the procedure, which are crucial for ensuring the safety of anesthesia administration. Your child will also need to be examined by their pediatrician for medical clearance, ensuring they are in good health for general anesthesia.

Additionally, discuss the procedure with your child in simple, reassuring terms so they understand what to expect. After the procedure, your child will need time to rest and recover at home, though most children are ready to resume their normal activities the next day.