Some children and adults can’t safely or comfortably get dental treatment in the dental chair, even with nitrous oxide or oral sedation. For these patients, Safari Family Dental & Orthodontics coordinates dental treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital setting, so the needed care can be completed in one visit while the patient sleeps comfortably.
Under general anesthesia, the patient is fully asleep and doesn’t feel or remember the treatment. An anesthesia provider manages and monitors breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels the entire time, while our dentist focuses on completing the dental work.
Because everything happens in one visit, we can often take care of several needs at once, such as fillings, crowns, extractions, cleanings and X-rays, instead of spreading treatment over many stressful appointments. For many families, that means less time off work and school and a much easier experience for the patient.
Hospital dentistry is often recommended for young children who need a lot of treatment, patients with special health care needs or medical conditions that make in-office care difficult, patients with severe dental anxiety or a strong gag reflex, and anyone who couldn’t be treated safely with nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
We recommend general anesthesia only when it’s the safest and most practical way to complete care. For many patients, nitrous oxide or oral sedation in our offices is enough, and we’ll talk through every option with you first.
It starts with an exam at our Meyerland office, where we review the dental needs and health history and plan the treatment. Some patients need a check-up or medical clearance from their doctor before the hospital visit, and our team will let you know if that applies.
Our team coordinates the hospital visit and walks you through the before-and-after instructions, including when to stop eating and drinking. On the day of treatment, the patient is put to sleep, the dental work is completed, and then they rest in recovery until they’re awake and ready to go home. Mild grogginess or sleepiness for the rest of the day is normal. We follow up afterward to check on healing and plan regular checkups to help prevent future problems.
General anesthesia is given and monitored by a trained anesthesia provider in a hospital setting. We review your child’s health history beforehand and explain the benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision.
With nitrous oxide or oral sedation, patients are relaxed but awake. Under general anesthesia, the patient is fully asleep, doesn’t feel anything, and won’t remember the treatment.
Hospital dentistry is coordinated through our Meyerland office. Patients from any of our four offices can be referred there.
No. Patients need to stop eating and drinking for a set time before general anesthesia. Our team will give you exact instructions before the visit.
Most of the day is spent checking in and recovering. The dental treatment itself depends on how much work is needed, and we’ll give you an estimate during planning.
Some grogginess, tiredness or mild soreness is normal for the rest of the day. Most patients feel back to normal the next day. We’ll give you care instructions and follow up to check on healing.
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for treatment. Our team will check your benefits, including Medicaid and CHIP, before scheduling and explain any costs up front.
Call our Meyerland office at (346) 266-0886 to ask whether treatment under general anesthesia is the right option for you or your child.
