Ease your child’s nerves and dental anxiety.

Patients of all ages deserve to receive treatment without discomfort. Many adults can tolerate a dental procedure using local anesthesia, which temporarily numbs the treatment area. However, children are a bit different. 

It’s normal for parents to become concerned about the fear and discomfort their child may feel during a dental appointment. Luckily, an experienced Salem pediatric dental specialist can provide in-office general anesthesia as a safe and effective solution, offering your child a stress-free, cost-effective method for completing complex pediatric dental procedures.

Read on to learn more!  

What is in-office general anesthesia?

With in-office general anesthesia, your child is put into a deep sleep, allowing the dentist to complete treatment. Your child will be completely unaware and will not feel pain. This dental anesthesia is typically administered intravenously (IV) by an anesthesiologist who continuously monitors the sedation. General anesthesia ensures your child will not be traumatized by the experience and makes it easier for their dentist to complete extensive procedures like restorations, extractions, or oral surgeries. 

Benefits of In-Office General Anesthesia

Sedation dentistry near Salem offers many benefits for kids and parents alike.

• Ensures Comfort: Many children experience dental anxiety, but continuing treatment in their regular dental office with familiar faces and a friendly environment can help your child remain comfortable. In-office anesthesia also ensures that your child wakes up with no memory of a dental procedure—just a healthy, happy smile.
• Minimizes Overall Costs: Treatment costs in a hospital or surgical center can accumulate quickly, especially if your child needs an overnight stay. Scheduling treatment using in-office general anesthesia can save you from these additional expenses.
• Saves Time: Trying to coordinate your child’s treatment at multiple facilities can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Under general anesthesia, your dentist can complete numerous procedures in a single visit, reducing the need for additional appointments and saving you the hassle of shuttling between facilities. 

How We Prioritize Your Child’s Safety and Comfort

Before your child’s appointment, take some time to explain to your child what they can expect after dental sedation using words they understand. Tell them that the painless dentist in Salem will make their teeth healthy and strong and that they may feel “silly” after treatment. 

A board-certified anesthesiologist will always oversee the entire in-office general anesthesia using the most current equipment and practices. The dosage will be customized to meet your child’s needs while ensuring their safety. The medication given is short-acting, but your child will be unconscious and likely won’t remember anything about the procedure. While under sedation, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor your child, adjusting the level of anesthesia as needed to keep a stable and controlled environment.

After treatment, the dental team will monitor your child as they wake from their deep sleep. Most children are released shortly after, but it’s important that they take it easy for the rest of the day, as they will likely feel groggy for a few hours after they get home. You’ll also receive detailed post-operative instructions to ensure your child has a smooth recovery.    

Is in-office general anesthesia right for your child?

Every child is different when it comes to their medical and dental care. However, in-office general anesthesia is typically recommended for: 

• Those with special needs that make receiving complex treatment more challenging in a regular office environment
• Children under the age of one who need substantial treatments
• A child in need of extensive treatment that would often require multiple visits with lesser sedation methods
• Children with behavioral issues or severe dental anxiety that prevent them from sitting still
• Those whose treatment requires oral surgery or other invasive procedures

If your child falls into these categories, their dentist may recommend general anesthesia in the office to keep you from paying hospital fees. This form of sedation helps ensure your child gets necessary dental work completed in a safe environment. It is always best to consult with the dental team to ensure this is your child’s best option.

Choosing a Qualified Dental Team for Your Child’s Treatment

Choosing the right dental team for your child’s treatment is crucial. Follow these tips when looking for a sedation dentistry provider for your child: 

• Credentials and Training: Ensure the dentist uses a board-certified anesthesiologist
• Experience With Children: Look for a dental team with vast experience working with children and a history of successful sedation cases
• Comfortable Environment: You’ll want a child-friendly dental office with a friendly atmosphere to help create a positive experience for your child

Finding the right team for in-office general anesthesia is a proactive step toward giving your child the best dental care. This experience will help build the foundation for a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.

Help Your Child Undergo Complex Procedures

In-office general anesthesia is a safe, effective, and cost-saving solution. It provides a painless, relaxed, and secure environment for your child, helping them undergo complex treatment without anxiety or fear. It can be an incredible way for parents to give their children a comfortable dental experience. 

If you are interested in in-office general anesthesia for your child, Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry can help. We have an experienced team that’s ready to meet them! Contact our office to learn more about this service and the others we offer.