General Anesthesia

At Chapin Pediatric and Teen Dentistry, we value the involvement of parents and guardians in ensuring the success of dental procedures for their children. We encourage you to review the following details about general anesthesia, its potential application for your child's dental treatment, and how you can actively support the process.

Quick Facts About Anesthesia in Pediatric Dentistry

At Chapin Pediatric and Teen Dentistry, we recommend general anesthesia for dental procedures only when essential.

• During the procedure, your child will be comfortably asleep and won't remember it.
• Pre-procedural dietary guidelines are in place for eating and drinking at home.
• Post-procedure, your child will have specific restrictions to follow.

Pre-Procedure Guidelines

Here are the standard guidelines for eating and drinking before the procedure. Regardless of your child's age, it's important to adhere to the specific instructions.

• Starting from midnight the night before the procedure, refrain from giving any solid food or non-clear liquids, including milk, formula, juices with pulp, coffee, chewing gum, or candy.
• Up to 2 hours before the scheduled arrival time, only offer clear liquids. Milk is not considered a clear liquid.
• If your child requires daily medication, you may administer it unless specifically advised otherwise by your child's doctor.

Supporting Your Child During Anesthesia

As a parent, witnessing your child undergo anesthesia can be uneasy. Children can pick up on a parent's unease, so it's important for you to remain as calm and supportive as possible to be helpful to your child. Even if you feel uncomfortable, there are ways you can assist your child:

• Bring along a "comfort" item, such as a favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket for your child to hold.
• Offer physical touch to reassure your child of your presence. Holding their hand or gently caressing their hair and face can be comforting.
• Engage with your child by whispering, talking, or singing to them. The sound of your voice can provide comfort and reassurance during the process.

Procedure

When you register your child for a procedure at Chapin Pediatric and Teen Dentistry, our anesthesia team will meet with you to gather vital signs, weight, and medical history. As a parent or legal guardian, you'll need to sign a consent form before anesthesia is administered. Our anesthesiologist will then discuss your child's medical information with you and determine the appropriate sleep medication. If your child is anxious, we can provide a flavored medication to help them relax, with effects typically felt within 10 to 15 minutes. You're encouraged to stay with your child during this process. In the operating room, nitrous oxide will be used to induce relaxation and sleep. Intravenous sedation will then be administered through a needle inserted into a vein, usually in the arm or hand, to maintain sleep throughout the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

After the procedures are completed, your child will be escorted to the recovery room, where we will monitor their vital signs. The effects of general anesthesia can persist for several hours.

• Your child may experience numbness in the nose, mouth, and throat for approximately 30 to 45 minutes following the procedure.
• It's normal for your child's throat to feel slightly sore for 1 to 2 days post-anesthesia, and their gums and mouth may remain tender for several days, depending on the nature of the dental procedure.
• Initially, provide only soft foods for your child's consumption in the first few hours after anesthesia, as they may feel dizzy and nauseous.

Special Needs and Health Concerns

If your child has any special needs or health concerns, please inform our team in advance. We prioritize providing personalized care tailored to your child's unique requirements. Whether they have allergies, medical conditions, or special needs that require accommodation, sharing this information enables us to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the dental procedure.

Trust Chapin Pediatric and Teen Dentistry for your child's dental care needs. Our commitment to excellence ensures a comfortable and safe experience for your little one. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best pediatric dentist in Chapin!