General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during dental treatment. A pediatric anesthesiologist with specialized training can use various medications to provide general anesthesia for patients receiving dental care.
Who should receive general anesthesia for dental treatment?
General anesthesia are generally introduced to children with extensive dental needs who are extremely uncooperative, fearful or anxious or for the very young who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion. General anesthesia also can be helpful for children requiring significant surgical procedures or patients having special health care needs. In all above cases, standard behavior management techniques may not be effective to accomplish treatment.
Is general anesthesia safe?
The short answer is Yes. While there is always some risk associated with any
anesthesia, it can be used safely and effectively when administered by an appropriately-trained individual in an appropriately-equipped facility. At A Smile Pediatric Dentistry, the general anesthesia based dental treatment is always performed in a highly qualified hospital environment — Children’s Medical Center at Legacy and Baylor Medical Center at Dallas; the general anesthesia is always delivered by a pediatric anesthesiologist who will be monitoring the medical care of the child during the whole process.
Many precautions are taken to protect your child during general anesthesia. Patients are monitored closely during the procedure by anesthesia personnel who are trained to manage complications. Dr. Su will discuss the benefits and risks involved with general anesthesia and why it is recommended for your child.
What special considerations are associated with the general anesthesia appointment?
At A Smile Pediatric Dentistry, our general anesthesia based dental treatment is always performed a highly qualified hospital environment. A physical evaluation is always performed prior to general anesthesia for dental care. This physical assessment provides information to ensure the safety of your child during the general anesthesia procedure. Our staff and doctor will advise you about evaluation appointments that may be required before the anesthesia procedure.
Prior to Treatment
- Please minimize any discussion with your child. This will reduce the anxiety. If possible, explain they are “going to go to sleep” during their dental treatment.
- If there is any change in your child’s health, please notify us at your earliest convenience so that we can evaluate the situation and postpone the appointment if needed. Do not bring your child for the treatment with any illness such as a fever or cold.
- Notify us of any medicines that your child is currently taking and any drug reactions and/or change in medical history.
- Please follow the instructions given by our doctor and staff strictly on eating and drinking. Fasting is necessary before the general anesthesia procedure.
- The parent or legal guardian is required to remain onsite at the hospital during the entire treatment procedure.
After Treatment
- Your child will be discharged when stable, alert, and ready to depart. Patients often are tired following general anesthesia. The child should rest at home with minimal activity until the next day.
- Before leaving the hospital, Dr. Su will go over things to pay attention to at home and provide a detailed list of instructions including post-operative dietary recommendations. An emergency contact number will also be provide.