If the dental treatment is extensive or difficult and the child is very anxious, cannot be calm enough or is unable to understand directions to tolerate the treatment, general anesthesia may be recommended in a hospital setting. General anesthesia will allow the child to remain asleep during the procedure and not feel any pain or remember the treatment. The child will be very drowsy after the procedure and must be monitored by an adult for the remainder of the day.

Dr. Manuel Castillo is credentialed to perform dental treatment at Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital in San Antonio, TX, where a pediatric anesthesiologist (medical doctor) administers the anesthesia and monitors the patient. This option allows for extensive dental treatment to be performed safely in one single visit for young or special needs patients with less stress or psychological trauma.