What to expect for your child's sedation dentistry.

A physician anesthesiologist keeps your child comfortable, calm, and pain-free during their dental procedure, right in their dentist's office. No hospital. No surgery center. Your child's anesthesia is managed by Dr. David Williams, MD, an anesthesiologist with specialized pediatric training.

Yes. Pediatric anesthesia is Dr. Williams' subspecialty. He has specialized training in pediatrics and top skills in airway management, and brings a clinical care team of nurses and medical assistants to every case. Across 13,000+ cases, he has a 100% nasal intubation success rate, which matters even more for children because their airways are smaller and every detail is precise.

It depends on the procedure and your child's dentist's plan. Most children have no awareness during their procedure. Dr. Williams tailors the anesthesia to your child's health, history, age, and the work being done, so the plan fits the patient.

This is where experience matters most. Dr. Williams routinely cares for children with behavioral, developmental, and medically complex needs. Before the procedure, his team reviews your child's complete history, gathers records and consults, and when needed, Dr. Williams coordinates directly with your child's other physicians. Whatever your child brings to the chair, the plan is built around them.

Dr. Williams' team contacts you before your child's procedure day to review their medical history, medications, and to answer your questions. You may also receive instructions from your child's dental office. You will know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Parents are brought into recovery as their child is waking up, so you are with them as they come out of anesthesia. [NEEDS CONFIRMATION: Confirm with Shawneen whether parents are also present during induction (the initial sedation in the operatory). The scheduling packet confirms recovery presence but does not address induction.]

Most children are ready to leave within about 30 minutes of the procedure ending. Fewer than 1% experience post-op nausea. Children generally recover from anesthesia quickly, but should be supervised by a responsible adult for at least 6 hours after the procedure, with active play limited. Your child will likely be groggy and tired, which is normal. [NEEDS CONFIRMATION: Confirm with Shawneen — TAA-specific guidance on what symptoms warrant a same-day call vs. ER. Recovery basics from the scheduling packet are folded in here.]

Yes. Dr. Williams' team follows up after the procedure to check on your child's recovery. Dr. Williams is also personally reachable for any concern, before or after.

Preparation depends on the specific procedure and your child's medical history. Dr. Williams' team will give you exact instructions during the pre-procedure call. General guidance for most cases:

• Nothing to eat or drink after 11pm the night before
• Clear liquids (water, apple juice, Gatorade) may be allowed up to 3 hours before if the procedure is later in the day, per the team's instructions
• No milk, dairy, or orange juice
• For breastfeeding infants, stop 4 hours before arrival time
• Comfortable two-piece clothing, no constricting items
• Children may bring a favorite security item: a stuffed toy, blanket, pacifier, or a preferred bottle or cup for after the procedure
• Bring a change of clothes
• A responsible adult to drive home after the procedure

Honest, age-appropriate, and brief usually works best. Keep the conversation calm. Your child will pick up on your tone. Dr. Williams' team can help you with language during the pre-procedure call if you would like guidance.

Cost varies by procedure and by length. Texan AA is out of network with all commercial insurance carriers, but we will file with your medical insurance to attempt to collect for the services provided. CareCredit is accepted as a financing option. During the pre-procedure call, our team will walk you through your specific cost and what your insurance is likely to do.

Yes. You can tell your child's dental office you would like Dr. David Williams from Texan Anesthesiology Association for the procedure.