Experience seamless dental visits with general anesthesia

General anesthesia ensures a pain-free and stress-free dental experience.

Young relaxed girl, being carried with a IV in her arm getting prepped for anesthesia.

Young boy getting prepped for sedation at dentist office.

What is general anesthesia in dentistry?

General anesthesia is a medical procedure that renders a patient completely unconscious during dental treatments. It’s a preferred option for extensive dental procedures, patients with severe anxiety, or those with special healthcare needs. This approach ensures no pain or awareness during the procedure, providing the highest level of comfort.

Comprehensive care with general anesthesia

General anesthesia must be administered by a specially trained physician. Appointments requiring general anesthesia are typically scheduled in advance and may be performed at a treatment center depending on your location. We prioritize patient safety and comfort, using advanced monitoring equipment and techniques throughout the procedure.

Tailored anesthesia solutions

Customized anesthesia options to meet every patient’s needs for a worry-free experience.

- Numbing Jelly (Topical Anesthetic): Topical anesthetic is applied with a cotton swab on the gums to reduce the discomfort of an injection and to ensure that the child is as comfortable as possible.
- Novocaine: Local anesthetic is the numbing agent injected into a specific area of your child’s mouth to prevent discomfort during dental procedures.To avoid unintended worrying, we ask that you do not discuss this possibility with your child, even if you think it will help. Our expert team will ease your child through this procedure in a non-threating manner. Because our pediatric dentists are specially trained and skilled in administering local anesthetic, many children do not even know they’ve received an injection.
- Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is safe for children and often used to help reduce anxiety or strong gag-reflexes in our patients. In some instances, nitrous oxide can be used in place of local anesthetic. Note: You will be informed and asked for consent before any of the above comfort options are used during your child’s dental treatment.

Young child with safety goggles, getting general anesthesia done.

Hospital Dentistry – General Anesthesia

We offer hospital dentistry, as well as in-office general anesthesia, so we can complete all of your child’s dental work in one visit, while they sleep.

Hospital dentistry is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting or right in our office. All of the dentists at Metropolitan Pediatric Dental Associates have hospital privileges at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN and Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

Candidates for hospital dentistry include children with special healthcare needs or very young children who require a large amount of dental work. Please consult with your dentist if you believe your child may be a candidate for hospital dentistry.

In-Office General Anesthesia

Our in-office general anesthesia appointments take place right in our office, under the supervision of a dentist anesthesiologist.

Candidates for in-office general anesthesia include children with special healthcare needs or very young children who require a large amount of dental work. Please consult with your dentist if you believe your child may be a candidate for in-office general anesthesia.