What is general anesthesia for dental services?
General anesthesia is a beneficial procedure that helps make children feel more comfortable during dental care. It provides a deep sleep-like state for the child to help with anxiety, and it keeps them from moving or talking during their treatment. If your child needs general anesthesia, they will be monitored by anesthesiologists in order to provide safe care while assisting you with all of your dental needs at one time. Our office works with Dr. Tom Lenhart of Bay Area Anesthesia.
Benefits of general anesthesia
There are several benefits to utilizing general anesthesia to facilitate a child’s dental care. If a child is extremely anxious, uncooperative, or has a large amount of treatment, general anesthesia allows the work to be completed without them remembering the procedure. General anesthesia makes children more comfortable because they fall into a deep sleep-like state minimizing any fear or anxiety and also improves the safety and quality of care because the patient isn't moving. All of the treatment can be completed in one visit.
Side effects and risks of general anesthesia
The most common side effects are a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and memory loss. A child’s behavior post surgery can range from happy to sad to mad. Therefore, it is required that caregivers be present to help with any anxiety after surgery. In some cases, children can experience an allergic reaction to certain medications. Extremely rare complications include cardiac and breathing issues that may lead to organ damage or death. We take safety very seriously at our office and follow guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. You can rest assured that your child will be in good hands while undergoing surgery.
Reducing general anesthetic risks in children and adolescents
While general anesthesia for children has a very safe track record we take many steps to attempt to eliminate unforeseen circumstances. The anesthesiologist will do a preoperative assessment prior to surgery which can help detect any undiagnosed health problems such as a heart or lung condition that could lead to a complication with the general anesthesia . Children must refrain from eating or drinking eight hours prior to surgery, and the anesthesiologist will discuss if they should or shouldn’t take routine medications prior to surgery.
How to prepare your child for the dentist visit before their appointment
Explain that our staff will be gentle, caring, and kind during this procedure as well as all future visits. Refrain from talking about things that may be difficult experiences like needles, extractions, crowns or filling. Be aware that your child will be asleep and will have a very positive and safe dental experience. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions about anesthesia with Dr. Sabbadini and the anesthesia provider prior to treatment. Please call our office at (510) 724-4400 if you have any questions.