There are many reasons why a child may struggle to visit the dentist’s office. Past trauma at another practice, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still for an extended period are all possible reasons for a pediatric dentist to consider sedation dentistry. While there are many options available for young patients, general anesthesia can be an ideal option, especially if your little one has extreme dental anxiety or is preparing for multiple, extensive procedures. Keep reading to discover how this type of sedation works and whether your child is a good candidate.
What is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is considered the most extensive form of sedation, as it causes a patient to remain unconscious throughout their visit.
Its use in hospitals and medical facilities is common, but it is also a popular option among dental practices, as many patients struggle with severe dental anxiety or require longer procedures to be completed in one visit.
When administered, patients are closely monitored to ensure their safety and well-being throughout the appointment. They should expect to feel no pain and remain completely relaxed. It’s also known to create amnesia so that the patient does not remember anything from their visit.
How Does General Anesthesia Work?
Should your child be recommended for general anesthesia, you can expect the process to be fairly straightforward.
The dentist will begin by providing either nitrous oxide or oral medication to help your child become more comfortable and at ease. Once the dentist feels confident your little one is relaxed, they will place an IV in their hand or the bend of their elbow so that the medicine is delivered into the bloodstream.
This administration will put them to sleep and dull all of their senses. Your child will be unable to feel any pain while the dentist performs the necessary procedures.
After treatment is complete, there is a good chance that your child will remain drowsy the rest of the day. They might also experience some slight nausea, a headache, some confusion, or dry mouth. These are all temporary side effects that will wear off soon.
An important thing to remember is that your child’s dentist will provide you with pre-procedural instructions to follow. These usually include what they can and cannot eat before and after their procedure as well as any medications that need to be stopped beforehand.
Will My Child Be a Good Candidate for General Anesthesia?
Determining whether your child is a good candidate for general anesthesia requires a scheduled meeting with their pediatric dentist. A thorough evaluation of their oral and overall health history is necessary as well as a discussion regarding any medications they may be taking.
General anesthesia is recommended if your child has special needs or requires extensive dental procedures. However, it can also be helpful if:
- Your child has a history of dental trauma
- Your child has a sensitive gag reflex
- Your child struggles with other forms of anesthesia or sedation
- Your child has extreme dental anxiety
General anesthesia can be a beneficial solution when it comes to helping your child feel more at ease at the dentist’s office. By understanding how it works and if your little one is a candidate, you can feel more confident about the future of their smile.
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Pelham, our team of four dental experts provides safe and effective sedation dentistry for children who require extensive treatment or struggle with mild to severe anxiety. Providing general anesthesia, our specialists take every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of every child so that positive results are what parents and patients can expect. Contact us via the website or by calling (603) 635-1166 if you want to know whether your child can receive general anesthesia at their next appointment.