Your child needs to be in good overall health to be a good candidate for hospital dentistry.
General anesthesia is very useful for children who suffer from dental anxiety because they do not need to witness any of the dental work that can be very traumatizing to them if they already have a prior bad experience or extreme fear of drills, needles, or just dental work in general.
Those with special needs can also greatly benefit from this because these children may have difficulty sitting still for long periods, feel uncomfortable, or have a low pain tolerance. Anesthesia eliminates pain sensations and enables us to keep your child’s mouth open for longer than may be comfortable when they are conscious.
Children who have trouble sitting still may benefit from sedation. This enables Dr. Azer to get more work done in less time. Those with strong gag reflexes can also benefit because sedation suppresses the gag reflex so we can work in the back of the mouth without producing a reaction that would prevent effective and timely treatment.
Hospital dentistry is often used for treatments such as the removal of impacted teeth.
Sedation is often used for more complex and invasive procedures like oral surgery which have a higher likelihood of discomfort or distress in children. However, hospital dentistry is not limited to invasive or complex treatments. If your child has severe dental anxiety, special needs, or needs to undergo a long treatment.
Anytime your child receives a sedative medication, there is some level of risk involved. The deeper the sedation, the greater the associated risk. However, general anesthesia is generally extremely safe, and serious side effects or complications are very rare in healthy patients.
This is why we always review your child’s medical history before approving them as a candidate for hospital dentistry. Your child is in good hands in a hospital environment with a professional anesthesiologist and we will monitor your child’s vitals like their breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure the entire time.
If you have any questions or concerns, the anesthesiologist can address them to put you at ease. We want you to be informed before your child undergoes any procedure. Under the care of a professional and experienced dentist as well as medical professionals, you do not have anything to worry about. Contact us at Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West to schedule a consultation with and find out if hospital dentistry is right for your child.
Pediatric hospital dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children, from infancy through adolescence. The practice involves comprehensive dental care for children with complex medical conditions, developmental disabilities, or those who require significant dental treatment.
Dr. Hany Azer and his team at Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West, located in Winter Garden, FL, are highly trained in pediatric hospital dentistry. They understand the unique needs of children and strive to make their dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Pediatric Hospital Dentistry differs from regular dentistry in several ways. First, it focuses solely on the dental needs of children. Pediatric dentists like Dr. Hany Azer have undergone additional years of training specifically in child psychology, growth, and development.
Second, pediatric hospital dentists often work with children who have special healthcare needs. These children may have complex medical conditions or developmental disabilities that make routine dental care challenging. Pediatric hospital dentists are trained to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care for these children.
Lastly, pediatric hospital dentistry often involves more comprehensive dental treatments. These can include oral surgery, sedation dentistry, and preventive care education to help children maintain healthy teeth and gums as they grow.
Preparing your child for a pediatric hospital dentistry procedure is a crucial step in ensuring their comfort and peace of mind. It's perfectly natural to feel concerned, but there are gentle ways to help them through this process. Start by having an open and heartfelt conversation with your child about the upcoming procedure. Use words that are reassuring and suitable for their age, so they can better understand what to expect.
Additionally, it's important to follow any pre-operative instructions given by the caring dental team. This might include guidelines on fasting or medication management. By doing so, you're not only looking out for your child's well-being but also ensuring that the dental procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing a dentist for your child is an important decision. At Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West, we understand the unique needs of children and are committed to providing the highest level of care.
Dr. Hany Azer and his team are highly experienced in pediatric hospital dentistry. They have the skills and knowledge to provide comprehensive dental care for children, including those with special healthcare needs.
Located in Winter Garden, FL, our practice provides a welcoming, child-friendly environment. We use advanced dental technology and techniques to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
The effects of general anesthesia can linger for up to 24 hours.