Why would my child need general anesthesia for dental work?
At Coastal Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics, we only recommend general anesthesia when we truly believe it is the safest and most effective option for your child.
Common reasons we may recommend general anesthesia include:
- Your child requires extensive dental treatment that would be difficult or traumatic to complete over multiple visits
- Your child is very young or unable to cooperate safely for in-office procedures
- Your child has high anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still
- Your child has special healthcare needs or behavioral considerations that limit the success or safety of traditional approaches
Our goal is always to deliver high-quality care in a way that protects your child’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being.
What are the benefits of general anesthesia?
General anesthesia provides several important advantages when it comes to complex dental needs:
- Your child remains fully asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure—there’s no memory of the treatment or discomfort.
- We can complete all necessary work in one visit, reducing time away from school and minimizing stress for your family.
- The technical dental work is done without compromise. Because your child is not moving or distressed, we can perform treatment more precisely, efficiently, and thoroughly.
- It supports long-term trust in dental care. Avoiding repeated or traumatic dental visits helps prevent future dental anxiety and builds a healthier relationship with oral care.
How experienced is your team with anesthesia cases?
We have successfully performed thousands of these procedures. Our doctors have undergone additional years of specialized training in certified pediatric care and the use of general anesthesia for dental procedures. We are deeply experienced in treating children with a variety of medical and behavioral needs.
Just as importantly, we work with board-certified anesthesiologists who specialize in pediatric care. Each member of our anesthesia team has been personally vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and experience. We only collaborate with providers we trust to deliver the level of care your child deserves.
Is general anesthesia safe for children?
Yes, general anesthesia is considered safe when administered by experienced pediatric professionals under the right protocols.
During your child’s procedure, their vital signs—including heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing—are continuously monitored using hospital-grade equipment. We follow strict safety guidelines at every step, and the anesthesiologist remains present and focused solely on your child’s care throughout the procedure.
Before any anesthesia is scheduled, we perform a thorough health screening to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate option for your child.
While no medical procedure is completely risk-free, serious complications are extremely rare and typically involve children with significant preexisting medical conditions. Our job is to minimize those risks and give you peace of mind.
What alternatives are considered before recommending general anesthesia?
We always consider and attempt less invasive options first, including:
- Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas")
- Oral conscious sedation
- Shorter appointments spread across multiple visits
- Desensitization and behavior management techniques
- Involving parents in treatment planning and behavior support
However, when these methods are not enough to allow treatment to be done safely, comfortably, or effectively, general anesthesia becomes the most appropriate path to protect your child’s health and well-being.
I’ve heard complications can occur. Should I be worried?
Complications under general anesthesia can occur and no medical treatment is without risk.
Understandably, complications raise concern. At Coastal Kids, we are vigilant in our commitment to safety. We follow nationally recognized guidelines, continuously update our protocols, and only partner with expert anesthesiologists who specialize in pediatric care. Many tragedies often arise from underlying medical conditions or involve special circumstances that are not in the news. Every child we treat is monitored with the highest level of precision and care and have carefully considered your child’s needs before making recommendations for this type of care.
The risk of complications leading to death directly related to general anesthesia in healthy children (ASA Class I and II) is extremely low—estimated to be about 1 in 300,000 to 1 in 500,000 cases, depending on the source and study population. This number increases slightly in children with complex medical conditions (ASA Class III and above), where the risk may be closer to 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 35,000.
The often-cited 1 in 35,000 figure is generally associated with all pediatric anesthesia cases, including those with significant underlying medical conditions. This makes your risk of death in a car on the way to the hospital more likely that dental treatment under anesthesia.
How can I feel more comfortable with this decision?
We are here to support you. You’ll never be pressured to make a decision quickly or without full understanding.
- You will meet directly with the anesthesiologist before your child’s procedure. This allows you to ask questions, review the plan, and understand the safety precautions in place.
- Our team is always available to answer questions, explain every step, and give you all the time you need to feel confident.
- Many parents find that after speaking with the anesthesiologist and understanding the details, the process feels far less scary and more reassuring.
This is a shared decision, and our role is to support and empower you to make the best choice for your child.
What should I do next?
If general anesthesia has been recommended:
- Schedule a consultation to review your child’s dental treatment plan and ask any questions.
- Meet with our anesthesiologist to go over the process, health history, and day-of details.
- Take your time to review all options. We’ll guide you with honesty, transparency, and full support.
We’re here for you.
At Coastal Kids Dentistry and Orthodontics, your child’s safety, comfort, and health are our top priorities. We are proud to provide care that is compassionate, evidence-based, and built on years of specialized experience.
Thank you for trusting us with your child.
