Navigating Pediatric Hospital Dentistry: Your Comprehensive Guide to Care and Consultation
Some children may have difficulty receiving dental care in a traditional office setting due to age, anxiety, special healthcare needs, or extensive treatment requirements. We offer pediatric hospital dentistry at Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This specialized service provides gentle, safe, and effective dental care, including in-office general anesthesia or outpatient hospital-based general anesthesia. Below, we answer common questions about hospital-based general anesthesia and how it ensures every child gets the necessary care.
What Is Pediatric Hospital Dentistry?
Pediatric hospital dentistry provides comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting. This approach is ideal for children who are unable to sit through procedures safely in a traditional dental office due to severe dental anxiety, medical or developmental conditions, behavioral challenges, or the need for extensive dental work.
General anesthesia places your child in a deep sleep, allowing them to remain pain-free and immobile during the dental procedure. This anesthesia is administered by a trained anesthesiologist who is experienced in delivering medication, monitoring your child’s vital signs, and addressing any potential complications. We provide options for in-house general anesthesia or outpatient hospital dentistry to accommodate your needs and budget.
Why Would A Child Need Hospital Dentistry?
A child may need hospital dentistry if they:
- Experience severe dental anxiety or have difficulty cooperating during treatment.
- Require extensive dental work that would be challenging to complete in multiple visits.
- Have special healthcare needs that make in-office treatment difficult.
- Are very young and cannot withstand lengthy procedures while awake.
Providing care in a controlled environment with an experienced anesthesia team ensures a comfortable, stress-free experience for both the child and their parents.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is General Anesthesia Safe For My Child?
General anesthesia is safe and effective for children requiring hospital-based dental treatment. Our board-certified pediatric dentist works alongside a highly trained pediatric anesthesia team to monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the procedure. We follow strict safety protocols to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience.
What Happens During A Pediatric Hospital Dentistry Appointment?
On the day of the procedure:
- Your child will be placed under general anesthesia by a licensed pediatric anesthesia provider who will monitor your child’s vital signs during the procedure.Â
- Our pediatric dentist will complete all necessary dental treatments, such as fillings, crowns, or extractions, in a single visit.
- Once the procedure is complete, your child will be monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and stable enough to go home on the same day.
- We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
To get your child ready for general anesthesia, it’s important to adhere to the guidelines regarding food and drink intake before and after the procedure. When you talk to your child about what to expect, use simple and clear language they can easily comprehend.
How Long Does It Take For A Child To Recover From Dental Treatment Under Anesthesia?
Most children recover within a few hours after the procedure, though they may be groggy or sleepy for the rest of the day. Mild discomfort is normal, and we will guide pain management and post-procedure care. Allow your child to rest quietly for the remainder of the day. Typically, children can resume their normal activities the following day.
How Do I Know If Hospital Dentistry Is Right For My Child?
If your child has had difficulty receiving dental care in a traditional office setting due to anxiety, young age, medical conditions, developmental challenges, or extensive treatment needs, hospital dentistry may be the best solution. Our team at Simply Kids Dental will evaluate your child’s needs and discuss the safest and most effective treatment options.
How Can I Schedule A Consultation For Pediatric Hospital Dentistry?
At Simply Kids Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, specialized care for children who need hospital-based dental treatment. If you believe your child may benefit from pediatric hospital dentistry, call us today at (719) 249-2030 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to ensure every child receives the dental care they need in a safe and comfortable setting!
