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 solid food or non-clear liquids after midnight before the procedure. This includes milk, formula, pulpy juices, candy, or chewing gum.
- You may give your child clear liquids up to 2 hours before your appointment time. Acceptable beverages include water, Pedialyte, or juices that you can see through.
- If your child takes medication every day, they may take it as normal unless told otherwise by their dentist.
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 know the idea of putting your child to sleep can make parents a bit nervous, but we assure you that your child is in good hands. Pediatric dental anesthesia is a great way to give your child the care they need in a less stressful environment.
Before administering the anesthesia, we will have you sign a consent form first. The anesthesia is then administered through an IV. Once your child is fully asleep, our professionals will monitor their vital signs and make sure they are safe throughout the procedure.
What To Expect During Your Child’s Fluoride Treatment Procedure?
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 soft foods and 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.
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 most medical procedures, there are some general risks associated with pediatric dental anesthesia.
Avoiding necessary procedures can cause tooth pain, infection, tooth decay, and other problems that can become serious. However, undergoing general dental anesthesia is less risky than allowing dental concerns to go unchecked.
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!
