IV Sedation & General Anesthesia for Children in Pomona, CA
Some children need a deeper level of sedation to receive dental treatment safely and comfortably. IV sedation and general anesthesia may be considered for children with significant dental anxiety, difficulty cooperating with treatment, special healthcare needs, or extensive dental treatment needs.
When Is IV Sedation or General Anesthesia Recommended?
- Children with severe dental fear or anxiety
- Very young children who cannot comfortably complete necessary treatment
- Children requiring extensive or multiple dental procedures
- Children with special healthcare needs who may have difficulty tolerating dental treatment
- Children for whom other sedation options may not provide adequate support
What to Expect During Your Child's Visit
Before treatment, our team will review your child’s medical history and provide specific instructions for preparing for the appointment. Depending on your child’s needs and treatment plan, IV sedation or general anesthesia may be recommended.
During the procedure, your child will be closely monitored while dental treatment is completed. After treatment, your child will remain under observation during recovery until it is appropriate to go home. Parents will receive detailed instructions for care following the appointment.
Safety and Anesthesia Care
Your child’s safety is our highest priority. Before treatment, we carefully review your child’s medical history, medications, and individual healthcare needs.
When general anesthesia or deeper sedation is used, your child is continuously monitored throughout the procedure by a qualified anesthesia provider. Heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and other important vital signs are monitored during treatment and recovery.
Our dental and anesthesia teams work together to provide treatment in a controlled and carefully monitored environment.
Will my child be completely asleep?
With general anesthesia, your child will be fully asleep and unaware of the dental procedure. The appropriate level of sedation or anesthesia will be determined based on your child’s individual needs and treatment plan.
Is general anesthesia safe for children?
General anesthesia is commonly used when children cannot comfortably or safely complete necessary dental treatment while awake. As with any anesthesia, there are potential risks. Your child’s medical history and individual needs will be carefully reviewed before treatment, and your child will be continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
Who administers the anesthesia?
Anesthesia is administered and monitored by a qualified, board-certified anesthesiologist while our dental team performs your child’s dental treatment. This allows each team member to remain focused on their specific role throughout the procedure.
Can my child eat or drink before the appointment?
Your child will receive specific fasting instructions before the appointment. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly, as eating or drinking too close to anesthesia may require the procedure to be postponed or rescheduled.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies from child to child and depends on the type of anesthesia used and the treatment performed. Your child will be monitored after the procedure and may feel sleepy or tired for several hours. We will provide detailed post-treatment instructions before you leave.