Pediatric Dental Anesthesia
At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we understand that dental procedures can get young children in their feels. When a child needs a more extensive dental procedure, we offer pediatric dental anesthesia in Washington so your kiddo will sleep right through it!
We know how important it is for kids to have a good early experience with their dentist. That’s why we specialize in behavior management and pediatric sedation for kids with special needs, behavioral challenges, and more. Schedule an appointment now!
Why Is Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Administered?
Sometimes, a child requires a more thorough dental procedure where they need to lie completely still. In this case, we may recommend that your child undergoes anesthetic treatment. While we understand that the idea of anesthesia can be a bit nerve-wracking, we assure you that this deep level of sedation will keep your kiddo as safe and comfortable as possible!
Pediatric dental anesthesia puts your child to sleep so they will not feel any pain during the procedure. This is a good option for kids who need a lengthier treatment, so they get all the work they need to be done in one stress-free visit.
How To Prepare Your Child For Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia
To make sure your child’s dental procedure goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to do to prepare them for pediatric dental anesthesia.
Here are some basic instructions on how to prepare your kiddo for treatment:
- Do not give your child anything to eat or drink after 10:00 p.m. the night before the procedure.
- Your child should not brush their teeth the night before or morning of the procedure.
- If your child takes medication daily, they can usually continue taking it as normal—unless otherwise directed by their dentist, pediatrician, or anesthesiologist.
- For procedures involving general anesthesia, it’s especially important to discuss all medications with your child’s primary care provider during the H&P (history and physical) appointment. The anesthesiologist will also need to review and confirm medication instructions prior to the procedure to ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
Before their appointment, we will give you all the information you need to know, so you know what to expect.
While parents may be concerned for their little ones, it’s important to know that children can sense that concern. Staying calm will help your child to remain calm too! It may also be helpful to bring a comfort item with you, like a blankie or toy, for your child to hold during the procedure.
Administering Anesthesia & Monitoring Your Child
We understand that the idea of putting your child to sleep can make any parent feel uneasy—but rest assured, your child is in highly trained and compassionate hands. Pediatric dental anesthesia allows us to provide essential dental care in a safe, calm, and stress-free environment.
We work with a board-certified anesthesiologist who specializes in pediatric care. This means that your child’s anesthesia is managed by a medical expert, not by the dentist. This separation of roles allows our dental team to focus solely on the dental procedure, while the anesthesiologist carefully monitors your child from start to finish.
Before the procedure begins, you’ll be asked to review and sign a consent form. On the day of treatment, your child will first breathe through a mask that gently helps them fall asleep—this is typically the most they’ll remember. Once your child is fully asleep and relaxed, the anesthesiologist will then place the IV and monitoring sensors. Throughout the entire procedure, your child’s heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and blood pressure are continuously and closely monitored.
Our team is here to answer your questions, explain every step, and make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible—for both you and your little one.
What To Expect When Your Child Wakes Up
Once the procedure is complete, your child will be taken to a recovery room, where we will continue to monitor their vital signs as they return to their conscious state. The after-effects of anesthesia can last for the rest of the day. Here are some things you can expect directly after the procedure:
- Your child’s mouth, throat, and nose may be numb for 30-45 minutes after the procedure.
- Your child may have a bit of a sore throat for 1 to 2 days after the procedure.
- Your child’s gums might also be sore for a few days depending on the procedure.
- For the first few hours after the procedure, give your child only clear liquids. Eventually, soft foods can be reintroduced; just make sure they eat carefully and slowly.
- Some dizziness for the rest of the day following the procedure is normal.
- Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest after the procedure. They should not return to daycare or school the day of the procedure.
What Are The Advantages Of Dental General Anesthesia?
The biggest benefit of general dental anesthesia is that your child will be completely unconscious during the procedure to avoid trauma or difficulty. Pediatric dental anesthesia allows your child to get the dental work they need without the scares. Additionally, this allows us to complete an extensive amount of dental work in only one appointment.
More involved dental procedures require your child to lie very still, which can be difficult for many young and special needs kids.
Are There Risks Associated With Pediatric
Dental Anesthesia?
As with any medical procedure, there are some general risks associated with pediatric dental anesthesia. However, these risks are carefully managed by our experienced anesthesiologist and clinical team, who monitor your child closely every step of the way.
In many cases, the risks of delaying or avoiding necessary dental treatment can be more serious, leading to pain, infection, worsening tooth decay, and other health issues. When treatment is needed, general anesthesia can be the safest and most comfortable option to help your child receive the care they need without fear, discomfort, or trauma.
Dental General Anesthesia For Special Needs Children
We work with special needs children all the time, so we understand that dental work can be difficult for your little one. In this situation, sedation or pediatric dental anesthesia might be the best option for your child to get the care they need.
Milestone Kids Dentistry specializes in behavior management, so we work with little ones all the time to help them have a safe and comfortable experience at the dentist.
Is Pediatric Dental Anesthesia Right For Your Child?
We know that early experiences at the dentist can shape lifelong feelings about dentistry. We will only recommend dental general anesthesia if we think your kid will benefit from it.
At Milestone Kids Dentistry, we prioritize the safety and comfort of your kiddo. We can help your child set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles! Got questions or concerns? Contact us today! We look forward to helping your little one!