Dr Holmes provides hospital services to child

Pediatric Dental Hospital Services

Caring For Your Child During Dental Procedures

At Beach Kids Dentistry, our mission is to make children feel comfortable and safe during their dental appointments. We understand that some children may have acute situational anxiety, certain disabilities or medical conditions, difficulty sitting during dental work or must undergo certain dental procedures. In these instances when nitrous oxide or Valium is not enough, we offer hospital services.

Our hospital services include general anesthesia administered at our partner hospitals, the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and the Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center. Dr. Jessica Clark has surgical privileges to perform hospital dentistry, and is here to ensure that your child’s procedure goes as smoothly and as safely as possible.

Reasons Why Your Child May Need Hospital Services

There are several reasons why your child may require hospital services for their dental procedure. These include but are not limited to:

  • Severe dental anxiety or behavioral issues: Children with severe dental anxiety or behavioral issues may be uncooperative or unable to sit still during a dental procedure. General anesthesia ensures that the child remains completely relaxed and immobile, allowing Dr. Clark to complete the treatment safely.

  • Extensive treatment needs: When a child requires multiple or complex dental procedures (such as multiple extractions, extensive restorations, root canals, etc.), performing them in a single session under general anesthesia can be more efficient and reduce the need for repeated visits.

  • Medical or developmental conditions: For patients with certain medical or developmental conditions (such as congenital heart disease, developmental disorders, or autism), anesthesia can provide a controlled and safe environment for treatment.

  • Special needs: Children with special needs, including physical or intellectual disabilities, may benefit from general anesthesia as it ensures their comfort and safety during dental procedures.

  • Traumatic injuries: If a child has experienced a traumatic dental injury, such as a severe fracture or avulsion of a tooth, general anesthesia may be necessary to assess and repair the damage effectively.

Hospitals We Partner With

We are committed to ensuring that your child’s experience is comfort and that they feel safe throughout their dental visits. We recognize that some kids may encounter situational anxiety, have specific disabilities or medical conditions, face challenges sitting through dental procedures or require particular dental treatments.

That’s why Beach Kids Dentistry is pleased to partner with two great hospitals in the Virginia Beach area to provide hospital services to our valued patients. Dr. Clark has surgical privileges to perform dental procedures under general anesthesia at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters and the Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center. Each hospital takes every measure to ensure your child is comfortable and safe throughout each step of the treatment process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Hospital Services

At Beach Kids Dentistry, we aim to educate parents and patients so they can feel at ease during treatment. We’ve outlined some answers to frequently asked questions about our hospital services below.

General anesthesia in dentistry is a medical state in which a child is rendered unconscious and unable to feel pain or discomfort during dental procedures. At Beach Kids Dentistry, it is administered and monitored by a team of anesthesiologists at CHKD.

General anesthesia may be recommended for children with severe dental anxiety, extensive treatment needs, behavioral issues, medical conditions or special needs that make it challenging to perform the procedure with the child awake.

When administered by qualified professionals in a controlled medical setting, general anesthesia can be safe for children. The team of doctors at CHKD carefully evaluates the child’s health and adjusts the anesthesia accordingly.

Follow the preoperative instructions provided by Dr. Clark and the Beach Kids Dentistry team. This typically includes fasting for a certain period before the procedure, and following any guidelines regarding medication or clothing.

Your child will be unconscious and closely monitored during the procedure. Dr. Clark and our team will perform the necessary dental work, while the anesthesiology team at CHKD monitor and ensure the child’s safety and comfort.

The duration of unconsciousness depends on the complexity of the dental procedure. Typically, your child will be unconscious only for the duration of the dental work.

After the procedure, your child will be closely monitored during the recovery period until they wake up. The recovery time varies based on your child’s needs and the length of the procedure.

Some children may experience temporary side effects such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or irritability after awakening from anesthesia. These effects usually subside within a short time. Many of our patients return to their regular schedule the next day.

In accordance with CHKD policy, parents or guardians are not present in the treatment room during the procedure due to safety and infection control protocols.

No, your child will not have any memory of the procedure performed under general anesthesia.

Make a Splash
with Your Smile

Sea The Beach Kids Dentistry Difference

We believe that a lifetime of healthy smiles begins with a positive and fun dental experience. Our kid-friendly office and experienced pediatric dentists are here to provide compassionate, patient-focused and specialized pediatric dental care.

children laughing and running on beach

1300 Kempsville Road, Suite 5
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464

(757) 467-7797

Monday – Thursday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm

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