General Anesthesia for Pediatric Dentistry in Bellevue, WA

What Is General Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry?

General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness used to perform dental treatments in children who cannot tolerate care while awake. It’s a safe and effective option often referred to as sleep dentistry, and it’s typically administered in a hospital or surgery center by a licensed anesthesiologist.

At The Art of Pediatric Dentistry in Bellevue, WA, Dr. Yu Ong offers general anesthesia as part of our advanced pediatric sedation dentistry services. This solution is ideal for young patients with dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or those requiring extensive dental work in a single visit.

When Is General Anesthesia Recommended for Kids?

General anesthesia may be the most appropriate and compassionate choice if your child:

• Has extreme dental fear or anxiety
• Is too young to cooperate for lengthy procedures
• Has special needs that prevent in-office treatment
• Needs extensive dental treatment in multiple areas
• Has a strong gag reflex or behavioral challenges
• Requires treatment that would otherwise take multiple appointments

For parents searching for pediatric dentistry for special needs in Bellevue or sleep dentistry for kids near me, our practice provides expert care tailored to your child’s individual needs.

How General Anesthesia Works

At our practice, general anesthesia cases are performed in a certified outpatient surgical facility. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Preoperative Assessment
   Dr. Ong will review your child’s medical history, dental needs, and suitability for general anesthesia. We collaborate with a licensed medical anesthesiologist to ensure safety from start to finish.
2. Day of Treatment
   Your child is placed under general anesthesia using a combination of inhaled and intravenous medications. They are continuously monitored by an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure.
3. Comprehensive Treatment Under One Visit
   While your child is asleep, Dr. Ong completes all necessary dental work — such as pulpotomies, fillings, extractions, or crowns — without the stress of multiple appointments.
4. Recovery & Discharge
   After the procedure, your child is monitored in a recovery area before being released to go home. Most children wake up drowsy but recover quickly within 24 hours.

Is General Anesthesia Safe for Children?

Yes — when administered by a trained anesthesiologist in a controlled setting, general anesthesia is very safe for pediatric patients. Dr. Ong works closely with the anesthesia team to ensure your child’s comfort and well-being at every stage.

We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines and collaborate with anesthesiologists experienced in treating children. Prior to treatment, we’ll guide you through all pre-op and post-op care instructions and answer every question you may have.

Preparing for Your Child’s General Anesthesia Visit

Preparation is key to a successful and safe experience. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions, including:

• Pre-operative fasting and hydration guidelines
• What to bring on the day of the procedure
• How to talk to your child about the visit in an age-appropriate way
• What to expect during recovery

We understand that this process can feel overwhelming — especially for parents looking for the best pediatric dentist near me who offers sedation. Our goal is to provide comfort, clarity, and confidence at every step.

Why Families Choose The Art of Pediatric Dentistry

Parents from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Sammamish choose our office for pediatric general anesthesia because we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care.

• Board-Certified Expertise – Dr. Yu Ong is a board-certified pediatric dentist with advanced training in sedation and special needs dentistry.
• Kid-Friendly Environment – We specialize in dentistry for children near you — from toddlers to teens.
• Focus on Safety – We partner only with credentialed anesthesiologists and certified surgical facilities.
• Experience with Special Needs – Our team is trained in pediatric dentistry for children with sensory challenges, developmental delays, and other health conditions.

Whether your child needs restorative treatment, habit therapy, or emergency care, you can trust that they’re in experienced hands.

FAQs About General Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry

Is general anesthesia the same as sedation?

No. General anesthesia involves complete unconsciousness, while sedation (like nitrous oxide) helps relax a patient but keeps them awake.

How long does dental work under general anesthesia take?

Depending on the number of treatments needed, most cases last 1–2 hours.

Will my child feel anything during the procedure?

No. Your child will be fully asleep and won’t feel, hear, or remember anything during the treatment.

What’s recovery like after general anesthesia?

Mild grogginess is normal. Most children are back to their usual selves within a day.

Can multiple treatments be done at once?

Yes. That’s one of the main benefits — we can complete multiple procedures in a single visit.

Schedule Your Child’s Pulpotomy Appointment

📍 Visit us at:
914 140th Ave NE #101, Bellevue, WA 98005

📞 Call to book:
(425) 401-1147

Or contact us online via our Contact Page to schedule your child’s visit.