To get their dental work done efficiently, special needs children often have to be sedated or require anesthesia. It is natural for parents to become uneasy when your child’s appointment approaches. When your child undergoes the anesthesia, there are many questions that come to mind and wanting to know what to expect is a primary concern. Commonly at the top the list is how the child will experience the process, how it is given, and how you should prepare for the procedure and take care of the child afterwards. To help your child get the dental work they need to maintain oral health, there are many circumstances when anesthesia is utilized. Today, we at Smile Reef would like to share some of the basics of anesthesia.
What to Expect from Sedation Dentristy
Anesthesiologists help pediatric dentists achieve their patient’s dental procedures, especially children with special needs. The general anesthesiologist will give the child some oral medication first to help the child feel drowsy. When the anesthesiologist starts an IV and administers the right dosage of drugs, the child is put completely to sleep. The anesthesiologist monitors the child’s breathing and vital signs once the child is completely asleep while the pediatric dentist provides all necessary treatment. Throughout the dental procedures, they will not have any traumatizing association to getting dental work. The biggest advantage to the anesthesia is that the patient is sleeping. During the dental experience, in many instances the medications used will help the child forget about the whole event. As the child is asleep and immobile this helps the experience go by smoothly without the traumatic and seemingly scary activities going on around the child including x-rays, fillings, crowns, and cleanings. These procedures can be done more efficiently. Usually, the dentists that suggest the help of an anesthesiologist will schedule the procedure coherent with both of their schedules. To prepare the night before the procedure, instructions are frequently given to the parents. Prior to the appointment so that the right choice of anesthetic medicines is used to better fit the individual child’s needs, a medical history and pertinent information is often requested.
Before Dental Sedation; How to Prepare
Before the procedure, you will be instructed on what your child can eat or drink generally. After midnight, they are not allowed to eat or drink. Specific instructions will be given based on your child’s age, medical condition, and the time of day of the procedure. Because of the effect’s anesthesia medicines have, eating is not permittable. When it’s swallowed or regurgitated or thrown up, the body normally has reflexes that prevent food from being aspirated, or inhaled, into the lungs. The medicines can suspend these reflexes, and that can cause food to become inhaled into the lungs if there is vomiting or regurgitation under anesthesia. Before the appointment, clear liquids may be permitted, or specific medications may be given in some instances. To ensure the child’s safety, answer the anesthesiologist’s questions as honestly and thoroughly as possible. With the anesthesia, what you may think is harmless can have poor interactions.
Pediatric Dentistry
You have ample opportunity to consult the anesthesiologist if you have any questions regarding the anesthesia. Make an appointment with Smile Reef today to discuss your child’s needs if you feel your child may better benefit from being sedated for their dental procedure. Contact us today!
