What Is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry, also called dental treatment under general anesthesia, allows children to receive dental care while completely asleep. Unlike conscious sedation, where children remain semi-aware, general anesthesia produces a state of controlled unconsciousness.
This option is reserved for situations where other sedation methods aren't appropriate or haven't been successful. It allows us to complete all necessary treatment in a single session while your child sleeps peacefully.
When Sleep Dentistry Is Recommended
Our Pickering pediatric dentists may recommend sleep dentistry for very young children who need extensive treatment, children with severe dental anxiety or phobias, patients with special needs who cannot cooperate with traditional care, children with medical conditions affecting their ability to tolerate dental treatment, and situations where multiple complex procedures are needed.
We carefully evaluate each case to determine whether sleep dentistry is the most appropriate option. For many children, nitrous oxide or conscious sedation may be sufficient. Sleep dentistry is typically recommended only when other approaches aren't viable.
How Sleep Dentistry Works
Sleep dentistry requires coordination with an anesthesiologist and typically takes place in a hospital or surgical center setting. Before the procedure, you'll meet with both our dental team and the anesthesiologist to review your child's health history and discuss what to expect.
On the day of treatment, an anesthesiologist administers medication that allows your child to sleep through the entire procedure. We complete all necessary dental work while your child is asleep, which may include fillings, crowns, extractions, and other treatments.
After treatment, your child wakes up in a recovery area with medical staff monitoring them. Once they're alert and stable, you can take them home to continue resting.
Safety and Expertise
General anesthesia requires a team approach with specialized training. Our pediatric dentists work alongside board-certified anesthesiologists in accredited facilities. Your child is monitored continuously throughout the procedure with sophisticated equipment tracking their vital signs.
While general anesthesia carries slightly more risk than lighter sedation, it has an excellent safety record when administered properly. For children who truly need it, sleep dentistry provides a way to receive necessary care that would otherwise be impossible.
Families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and throughout Durham Region trust Hi Five Kids Dental & Braces for sleep dentistry that provides comprehensive care for children with complex dental needs.
