Nurture Your Child’s Smile with a Pediatric Dental Specialist
If your child is unable to receive dental care in a traditional dental office setting, our pediatric dental practice offers gentle and effective dental services to infants, children, and special healthcare needs in the comforting environment of outpatient general anesthesia. As a board-certified pediatric dentist in Colorado Springs offering this specialized service, our team has the unique ability to address the specific needs of children who require dental care but may not be able to cooperate for safe treatment in a typical setting. With general anesthesia under the assistance of a pediatric anesthesiologist, your child will be completely asleep, similar to undergoing procedures such as tonsil removal, ear tube placement, or hernia repair.
Is My Child a Candidate for Pediatric Hospital Dentistry?
Pediatric hospital dentistry services are particularly beneficial for:
- Physically, emotionally, or developmentally challenged children who struggle to remain still during dental procedures
- Children who are very young and could not tolerate long or complex procedures
- Children with complex medical conditions that make receiving dental care in an office setting unsafe
Consider these situations when determining if the use of general anesthesia may be the best option for your family.
What is General Anesthesia?
General Anesthesia induces a deep sleep in your child, rendering them unable to feel pain or move during the dental procedure. This anesthesia can be administered by an anesthesiologist or dental anesthesiologist, who is trained to administer medication, monitor your child’s vital signs, and manage any potential complications that may arise. For your convenience and budget we offer the available options of in house general anesthesia or outpatient hospital dentistry.
To prepare your child for general anesthesia, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided regarding food and fluid intake before and after the procedure. When discussing the procedure with your child, use simple language that they can understand. After the procedure, allow your child to rest quietly at home. Typically, they will be ready to resume their normal activities the following day.
For additional information on pediatric hospital dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO, reach out to Dr. Sean Vostatek and his team at (719) 249-2030 to schedule a consultation. They’d be happy to assist you.
IN-OFFICE GENERAL ANESTHESIA VS. OUTPATIENT GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Today, we want to discuss the difference between general anesthesia at Simply Kids Dental and outpatient general anesthesia at the hospital.
St. Francis Hospital is an excellent hospital with highly skilled specialists, and for a while, we treated all our patients who needed general anesthesia there.
However, it could be very expensive for families without insurance. Even for those with private insurance, the hospital facility costs can be excessive.
Dr. Sean Vostatek is a board-certified pediatric dentist who specializes in treating infants, children, and those with special needs under any treatment option available.
We’ve been offering in-office general anesthesia for nearly five years, and there are several benefits that exist.
Lower Cost: It’s more affordable for families without the unnecessary hospital facility fees. Outpatient: Your child goes home the same day, which means a quicker, easier recovery.
Faster Recovery Time: Most children return to their normal selves later the same day.
Familiar Environment: The procedure happens in the same office where your child already feels comfortable, and the team that regularly cares for them will be there.
Efficiency: Our office is specifically designed for dental procedures, so the process is typically faster than at a hospital, where the staff might not be as familiar with dental procedures.
Less Restrictive Protocols: Unlike hospitals, which often limit the number of family members present, we allow both parents and other siblings to be present during recovery.
Treating your child at St. Francis is still a great option, especially for kids with complex medical conditions.
Still, the in-office general anesthesia option can be a much more comfortable, affordable, and efficient experience for healthy kids who are anxious or need extensive dental work.