Most children can have dental work completed in a pediatric dental office. There are times, though, when a hospital is a better setting for the amount of treatment a child needs or for a child who cannot tolerate care in the office. At Pediatric Dentistry of Burke, our hospital-based dentistry option allows certain procedures to be completed under general anesthesia. Dr. David Treff is a board-certified pediatric dentist whose background includes operating-room experience, and he maintains credentials to care for patients receiving general anesthesia through his work with the Craniofacial Team at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.
Why Might a Hospital Setting Be Recommended?
Needing dental work does not automatically mean a child needs general anesthesia. Dr. Dave looks at the full picture, including how much treatment is required, the child’s ability to cooperate, medical or developmental considerations, and how previous dental visits have gone.
This decision is made only after considering whether office-based methods can reasonably meet the child’s needs.
Hospital-based care may be considered when a child:
- Needs extensive dental treatment that would be difficult to complete during routine office visits
- Has severe dental fear that prevents necessary treatment from being completed
- Has medical, developmental, sensory, or communication needs that require added accommodations
- Needs general anesthesia for the planned dental procedures
Children with disabilities or other healthcare needs may still be able to receive special needs dental care in our office. The setting is chosen based on what is appropriate for that child’s dental and behavioral needs.
How Is Hospital Dentistry Different From Office Sedation?
Our behavior management and sedation options range from basic behavior guidance to more advanced techniques. Our office is licensed by the State of Virginia to use mild and moderate sedation, while hospital-based dental procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
If hospital care is being discussed, parents should feel comfortable asking why it is recommended and what dental work is planned. It can also be useful to ask what other approaches were considered and what to expect before and after the hospital visit. When a child needs significant restorative dental treatment, understanding the full plan can make the recommendation easier to evaluate.
Discuss Your Child’s Dental Treatment With Our Team
A hospital recommendation can bring up plenty of questions, especially if this is your child’s first experience with general anesthesia. Families in Burke and Springfield, VA, can contact us at Pediatric Dentistry of Burke to talk through the treatment plan with Dr. Dave and our team. Call 703-712-8077 to arrange an evaluation.
