General anaesthetic

In many cases, a General Anaesthetic is the safest and most comfortable option for your child

What is general anaesthetic

In some cases, children may need their dental treatment completed under a general anaesthetic (GA). This means your child is fully asleep in a hospital setting while we carry out the necessary dental work safely and comfortably. At Toothbuds, these procedures are performed at Quay Park Surgical Centre with a specialist paediatric anaesthetist and highly trained medical team. In many cases a GA is the safest and most comfortable option for your child.

Why it’s needed

General anaesthetic is usually recommended when:

  • A child is very young and unable to cope with extensive treatment in the chair

  • There is significant dental disease requiring multiple procedures in one session

  • A child has high levels of anxiety or special healthcare needs that make dental care

  • difficult

  • Comfort, safety, and efficiency are best achieved in a hospital setting

This approach ensures your child receives the care they need in the least stressful way possible.

How it works

Our process is designed to keep families well informed and supported:

  1. Consultation – We discuss your child’s dental needs, explain the GA option, and answer all your questions.

  2. Pre-Assessment – The hospital team reviews your child’s health to ensure GA is safe and appropriate.

  3. Treatment Day – Your child is admitted, cared for by a specialist anaesthetist, and all required dental treatment is completed while they are asleep.

  4. Recovery – Most children go home the same day, with full aftercare instructions provided.

Throughout, we focus on safety, transparency, and making the experience as calm as possible for both child and parent.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How can I find a paediatric dentist near me with sedation?

A: At Toothbuds, we provide safe sedation options with a specialist anaesthetist for anxious children who meet our criteria. In many cases a general anaesthetic will be needed especially when children are young and extensive treatment is required.

Q: Is dental sedation safe for toddlers?

A: Toddlers and young children with extensive work are usually treated under general anaesthetic. This is the saftest way for us to provide the highest quality dental treatment for your child.