Below is a list of the most common questions that parents ask regarding their child's dental treatment under general anesthesia.
What is general anesthesia?
General anesthesia provides a way of effectively completing dental care while the patient (child or adult) is comfortable, pain-free, and asleep.
Who should receive dental care under general anesthesia?
Children or adults with severe anxiety and/or the inability to relax are candidates for general anesthesia. Usually, these patients are very young, anxious, or physically/mentally compromised.
Is general anesthesia safe for my child?
Dr. Fisher is an experienced, residency trained health-care provider. He will be responsible for the continuous anesthesia management, comfort, and care of your child. The most up-to-date medicines, monitoring devices, and equipment will be utilized to insure the best quality of anesthesia care.
What special considerations are needed on the day of surgery?
Prior to your child’s appointment, the anesthesiologist will contact you in order to thoroughly review your child’s medical history. A limited physical examination will be performed on the day of surgery. It is extremely important for you to monitor your child to be certain that he/she does not eat or drink (including water and juice) anything for eight (8) hours prior to surgery. This is very important for your child’s safety under general anesthesia. If your child develops a cold or any other sickness, contact your dental office and anesthesiologist immediately.
How will the anesthesia be administered, and what does the procedure entail?
While your child is comfortable in your arms in the waiting room, the anesthesiologist will give your child an intramuscular shot (IM) that is a disassociate and hypnotic. Your child will fall asleep within two minutes. This will allow the anesthesiologist to take your child from you without being aware that he/she is leaving your presence.
What will occur once my child has left my arms?
Your child will be taken back to the operatory and intravenous anesthesia will be started. Monitors will be placed on your child to monitor all vital signs throughout the procedure.
Can I be in the room with my child during the procedure?
Parents need to stay in the waiting room. This enables the dentist and anesthesiologist to concentrate their attention on the patient, ensuring the very best of care.
What can I expect after the procedure has been completed?
Recovery can take up to 30 minutes. The anesthesiologist will carry your child back to the waiting room, so the first person your child will see when he/she wakes up is you. Your child may wake up happy, sad, or mad due to being dizzy. Your child will be dismissed when the anesthesiologist feels he/she is ready to go home and when you feel comfortable.
What post-recovery instructions should I follow?
Your child will be tired and sleepy following general anesthesia. You will need to return home and plan minimal activity for your child until the next day. We recommend that you observe your child for four to six hours after anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will also review with you any special instructions to be followed. Your child may return to his/her regular routine the following day.