Pediatric Dental Anesthesia in St. Louis, MO

General anesthesia in pediatric dentistry allows a child to be fully asleep and unaware during dental treatment. This approach is different from lighter forms of sedation, where a child may remain awake or only partially relaxed.

With pediatric dental anesthesia, your child’s care is completed in a highly controlled setting with continuous monitoring and dedicated anesthesia oversight. This allows our team to perform necessary dental treatment efficiently while minimizing stress and discomfort for the child.

General anesthesia for pediatric dental procedures is recommended when a child’s treatment needs exceed their ability to safely cooperate. This may include:

• Extensive or complex dental treatment
• Very young children who cannot remain still for care
• Children with significant dental anxiety or fear
• Children with special health care needs

Our goal is always to protect both physical safety and emotional well-being. Using general anesthesia can help prevent traumatic experiences that may otherwise create fear or avoidance of future dental visits.

At Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, general anesthesia for pediatric dental work may be provided in-office or through a hospital setting, depending on the child’s medical history and overall health.

Before recommending anesthesia, we complete a thorough screening process that includes a full medical history review. In-office general anesthesia is only recommended when it is safe and appropriate. Some children require hospital-based anesthesia, and when that is the case, we help coordinate care to ensure continuity and safety.

No dental procedure automatically requires general anesthesia. The decision is always child-specific.

We evaluate:

• Your child’s ability to cooperate safely
• The complexity and length of treatment needed
• Age and developmental readiness
• Medical conditions or special health care needs

Our team works closely with parents to determine whether dental care can be completed comfortably without anesthesia or if dental general anesthesia for children is the best option.

Preparation focuses on clarity, reassurance, and routine. We provide step-by-step guidance before your child’s appointment so there are no surprises.

Helpful preparation steps include:

• Using calm, age-appropriate language
• Following all pre-appointment instructions provided by our team
• Keeping routines predictable the day of treatment

Clear communication is part of our philosophy, and we make sure parents know exactly what to expect before, during, and after anesthesia.

General anesthesia for pediatric dental care is delivered through collaboration between our pediatric dentists and a licensed anesthesiologist. Our providers meet rigorous training and safety standards to ensure your child receives care from experienced professionals.

Dr. Maura Robinson is also affiliated with Children’s Hospital St. Louis, reinforcing our connection to hospital-level care when it is needed.

Your child is continuously monitored throughout treatment. Monitoring includes vital signs, breathing, and overall responsiveness, with dedicated anesthesia oversight at all times.

This constant monitoring allows us to maintain a safe environment and respond immediately to any changes during pediatric dental anesthesia services.

Yes. We understand how important reassurance is for both children and parents. Our team explains the transition process clearly and helps families know what to expect as their child prepares for anesthesia.

Our goal is to create a supportive experience from start to finish.

After pediatric general anesthesia, we typically recommend a quiet play day. Activity levels should be low on the day of treatment, with a gradual return to normal routines.

Recovery varies by child. Some children feel ready for regular activity the next day, while others may need additional rest. We guide families based on how their child is feeling.

Most dental general anesthesia procedures last about one to two hours, depending on the extent of treatment. Many children take a short nap after anesthesia and are mostly back to themselves later the same day.

By the next day, most children feel close to normal. We review what is expected and when to contact our office if questions arise during recovery.

Families trust Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry because of our commitment to individualized, ethical care led by Dr. Megan E. Lenahan and our board-certified pediatric dental team.

• Board-certified pediatric dentists, including Dr. Megan E. Lenahan and Dr. Maura Robinson
• Experience supporting children with special needs, including autism and Down syndrome
• Clear communication and no unnecessary treatments, so parents understand every recommendation
• A thoughtful, anxiety-aware environment designed to build comfort and trust
• Trusted by generations of families in St. Louis, with deep community roots

We treat every child as unique, and their care reflects that philosophy.

If your child may need general anesthesia for dental care, our team is here to help you make an informed, confident decision. Lenahan Smiles Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves families throughout St. Louis, MO, offering safe, compassionate care tailored to each child.

Call, text, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about dental anesthesia for children and how we can support your family.