Many children suffer from serious and painful dental problems. Unlike a cold or the flu, dental diseases do not go away on their own. Without treatment, dental disease may adversely affect your child’s learning, communication, nutrition and other activities that are necessary for normal growth and development. When treatment is planned, general anesthesia can help to make the procedure safe and comfortable.
What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia is the result of gas or medication that allows the patient to be pain free and unaware during a surgical procedure. It is more than nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas.
Why use general anesthesia for dental work
when children are involved?
General anesthesia is an accepted standard of care for children who have limited comprehension, are extremely uncooperative, or who require dental care that is otherwise difficult to deliver. General anesthesia is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
PREOPERATIVE INTERVIEW
One of the most important roles of an anesthesiologist is to evaluate your child’s medical status before the dental procedure is performed. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their medical history. Our office will contact you to discuss your child’s anesthesia and answer any questions you might have.
On the day of the procedure, Dr. Kloss will review your child’s health history and answer your questions. We must have your permission and signature for informed consent of the surgery before we begin the procedure.
Cost
Ambulatory Anesthesia Services will provide an estimated anesthesia fee based upon the dentist’s time estimate. The minimum charge is the fee for one hour.
Our office accepts most dental and medical insurance plans. Any deductible or co-payments are due on the day of the service.
If anesthesia is not covered by your insurance, full payment is required on the day of service.
PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT give your child anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight, the night before surgery.
Why can’t my child eat or drink on the day of anesthesia?
Your child must have an empty stomach on the day that anesthesia is given. This reduces the danger of vomiting and inhaling stomach contents into the lungs during the procedure.
Can I give my child chewing gum or hard candy before surgery?
No. Chewing gum and hard candy are not permitted.
What about medicines my child is taking?
Your child should take all of their regularly prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Kloss. Medicines should be taken ONLY with a small sip of water.
What should my child wear?
Your child should wear loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves. Because your child’s clothing may become stained during the procedure, bring a change of clothes for them. If your child wears diapers or pull-ups, please bring extras.
Should I give my child a bath, wash their hair, or let them brush their teeth before their dental procedure?
Yes. Bathing and hair washing are recommended. Children may brush their teeth in the morning, as long as they do not swallow anything.
What about my child’s hair?
Your child’s hair must not be in the way during the dental procedure. If it is long enough to do so, please tie it up on top of the head.
DAY OF SURGERY
What will happen before my child’s procedure?
To reduce stress and anxiety, a mild sedative will be given to your child about 10 minutes before they are taken to the procedure room. Please hold your child and carefully observe them during this time.
Can I be present while my child is going to sleep?
It is less stressful and safer for both child and parent if they are separated before the child goes into the operating room. Therefore, we ask that you stay in the waiting room.
RECOVERY
Before going home – IN THE OFFICE
What can I expect after the operation until my child goes home?
Your child will be taken to the recovery room and will be carefully monitored. As they awaken you will be called to the room to be with them.
When waking up from anesthesia, it is not unusual for a patient to experience agitation, shivering, or nausea. Crying frequently occurs. Your child will gradually calm down and may fall back to sleep.
When your child is awake and responsive, they will be discharged. This is usually within an hour after surgery has ended. You will receive instructions for caring for them on the way home and for their continuing recovery at home
After leaving the office – AT HOME
What can I expect when I get my child home?
A period of recovery at home is common and to be expected. Your child may experience drowsiness and minor after-effects, including sore throat, dizziness, or headache. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. These side effects usually decline rapidly in the hours following surgery.
Keep your child in your sight for the rest of the day following their surgery. Do not feed your child solid food immediately. Start with liquids such as water or juice. If your child tolerates this and has no nausea, advance the diet with soft foods such as soup and crackers, eggs, applesauce or mashed potatoes. You may then proceed to solid foods.
Follow your dentist’s instructions for further care of your child after the procedure. Contact your dentist with any questions you have. For any questions regarding anesthesia, or if you are unable to reach your dentist, call Dr. Kloss at 253-375-6937
If you have any concerns about your child’s breathing or if there is excessive vomiting or bleeding, dial 911.
