When Is General Anesthesia Recommended for Kids at the Dentist? (And What We Do Instead at First Smiles)

If your child is anxious about the dentist—or needs extensive dental work—you might be wondering if general anesthesia is necessary. While general anesthesia is sometimes used in pediatric dentistry to help children sleep through complex procedures, it’s not always the first or best option.

At First Smiles Children’s Dentistry in Modesto, we take a different approach. Dr. Chris Ha does not offer general anesthesia in our office. Instead, he focuses on helping children feel safe, respected, and calm—without needing to “put them under.” For children who do need deeper sedation than we provide, we work closely with trusted pediatric specialists and will help you coordinate care.

Why We Don’t Offer General Anesthesia In-House

General anesthesia involves putting your child into a deep sleep so they feel no pain or awareness during a procedure. While it can be necessary in certain situations, such as for children with complex medical needs or those requiring extensive dental treatment, it also comes with more risk and longer recovery.

Dr. Ha has chosen not to offer general anesthesia for personal and professional reasons. Instead, we use nitrous oxide (laughing gas)—a gentle, safe way to help kids feel relaxed and cooperative. And in many cases, we don’t need sedation at all.

Our Philosophy: Comfort Without Compromise

We understand that some children need extra time and support. Many of our patients come to us after struggling at other offices, and we’re proud to say we’ve helped even the most resistant children feel calm and confident during care.

How do we do it?

• Gentle, individualized care that meets your child where they are
  
• Time and patience—we don’t rush through visits
  
• A kind, consistent team that builds trust over time
  
• Parent partnerships—we support you, too
  

And if we determine that sedation beyond nitrous oxide is necessary, we’ll explain your options and connect you with a pediatric dental specialist who provides that level of care.

What If Another Office Recommends General Anesthesia?

In some cases, another provider may suggest general anesthesia to complete treatment quickly. If that happens, and you’re unsure about that path, we welcome you to seek a second opinion with Dr. Ha. We often help families find alternative, no-sedation or low-sedation options that still get the job done—while keeping your child comfortable and safe.

When Gentle Dentistry Works Better Than Sedation

We’ve seen it time and time again—kids who were labeled “too anxious” or “too uncooperative” elsewhere thrive in our care without any sedation beyond nitrous oxide. That’s not by accident. It’s the result of Dr. Ha’s calm demeanor, our team's advanced training, and a practice built around compassion, not pressure.

We believe that building positive dental experiences early on sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy habits. When kids feel safe and in control, they’re more likely to return with confidence—and that’s something no amount of sedation can replace.

Schedule Your Child's Dental Appointment in Modesto

Many parents who were once told their child “needed sedation” are surprised to find that with the right approach, their child can get through care comfortably without it. That’s what we strive for every day at First Smiles.

If you have questions about sedation, behavior management, or your child’s dental treatment needs, we’re here to help. Call (209) 343-3500 to schedule an appointment. Let’s talk about the best path forward—one that supports both your child’s health and your peace of mind.