Does Your Child Need to Be Put to Sleep?
Most children can be treated awake at their regular dentist. Your child may need to be put to sleep for dental work when:
- More than six teeth need work.Treating that many teeth while awake can take several long visits. Asleep, it's usually done in one.
- Your child has high anxiety at the dentist.If fear makes it hard or unsafe for your child to sit through treatment, being asleep can make it possible.
This applies to children ages 2 to 12. If you're not sure your child qualifies, text us what your dentist told you and we'll let you know.
You can reach out to us directly. Our team will guide you through what's needed, including a referral from your child's dentist, and we'll help you get it.
Is your child 13 or older?See Our Oral Surgery Page →
How We Help Children
Keeping Your Child Safe
A board-certified pediatric dentist treats your child, while a dedicated anesthesia team watches over your child from start to finish.
Being put to sleep has benefits and risks:
- Benefits.Your child is usually treated in one visit instead of several long ones, and a child who can't sit through treatment awake can get the care they need.
When treatment is done, you're with your child as they wake up in recovery.What Recovery Looks Like →
Questions about anesthesia and young children?Read About Anesthesia Safety for Kids
Covered by Missouri Medicaid
Looking for a pediatric dentist that takes Missouri Medicaid? We accept MO HealthNet and its health plans for children.
Pediatric dental surgery is covered by Missouri Medicaid once your child's plan approves it, with nothing for you to pay.See Plans and Costs →
Why Parents Choose ISC
- Your child is treated by Dr. Aaron Bumann, a board-certified pediatric dentist.Meet Dr. Bumann →
- Everything is usually done in one visit, so your child isn't coming back again and again.
Common Questions
Does my child need a referral from their dentist?
Yes. Children need a referral from their dentist, and we'll help you get it. You can reach out to us directly to start.
Does my child need to be put to sleep?
When more than six teeth need work, or when high anxiety makes it hard or unsafe for your child to sit through treatment. This applies to children ages 2 to 12.
How much does oral surgery cost with Missouri Medicaid?
Nothing, once your plan approves your treatment.For more details, see:Insurance and Cost →
What insurance do you accept?
Missouri Medicaid, including MO HealthNet and its three health plans.For more details, see:Insurance and Cost →
What is full mouth rehabilitation?
It's all the treatment your child needs, done in one visit while they're asleep.For more details, see:Severe Tooth Decay in Kids →
Do you treat children and adults with special needs?
Yes. We care for children ages 2 to 12 and teens and adults 13 and up with special needs, including IDD and autism.For more details, see:Special Needs →
Is general anesthesia safe for children?
Our anesthesia team watches your child's breathing, heart rate and oxygen from start to finish and stays with them until they wake up.For more details, see:Is General Anesthesia Safe for Children's Dental Work?
