For children with severe dental decay, high anxiety, behavioral issues, or special needs, using general anesthesia allows us to complete all necessary treatment safely and comfortably in a single visit, without pain or trauma. It is often the safest and most humane option for young children who cannot cooperate during treatment in a traditional dental chair.
Yes, when administered by qualified professionals in an accredited facility. At ISC, general anesthesia is administered by board-certified physician-anesthesiologists (MDs) who specialize in pediatric care. We utilize hospital-grade monitoring equipment and adhere to the highest safety protocols. Our facility is Joint Commission Accredited, which means we meet the same rigorous standards as hospitals.
Fasting is required before anesthesia for safety reasons. You will be given specific instructions on when your child should stop eating and drinking prior to the procedure. Following these guidelines is essential for your child’s safety during anesthesia.
Bring your child’s insurance information, completed paperwork, a comfort item (such as a blanket or stuffed animal), and wear comfortable clothing. We’ll provide you with a detailed checklist of your pre-surgery instructions.
The total time varies depending on the required treatment, but most families should expect 2-5 hours, including check-in, the procedure, and recovery. We will give a more accurate estimate during your pre-surgery consultation.
We typically permit one parent or guardian plus one additional support person in the waiting area. You will stay with your child until they go to the operating room and will be reunited immediately in recovery.
Children often feel groggy and may be emotional right after waking from anesthesia; this is entirely normal. Some swelling, mild discomfort, or bleeding can happen depending on the procedures done. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and tips. Most children start to feel much better within 24-48 hours.
Yes, we are Medi-Cal certified. For Kaiser patients, we have specific protocols; please contact our office to request a Kaiser Information Sheet with detailed requirements. We’re happy to help clarify insurance coverage and answer any questions about your specific plan.
We can provide information on transportation providers for eligible insurance plans. Ask our team about transportation options when scheduling your appointment.
Indio Surgery Center is licensed and accredited as an ambulatory surgery center, which means we follow hospital-level standards for safety, equipment, and emergency readiness.
This environment is especially important for children who require extensive dental treatment, have special health care needs, or cannot tolerate care in a traditional dental office.
Key differences include: a dedicated pediatric anesthesia team, operating rooms designed for surgery, continuous monitoring, and the ability to complete full treatment in one visit for many children.
See our “Surgery Center vs. Dental Office” comparison for more details.
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may
have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.
