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Is Anesthesia Safe For Kids During Dental Procedures?

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Young kids with dental pain and/or infection need care at any age, which often suggests that your child may have to undergo general anesthesia or sedation. There are many explanations for this, of course. Some dental procedures require your child to lay absolutely still, or the noise of the drill may be frightening, or there may be a lot to repair. The aim is always to have the best care that is most pain-free. 

How Safe Is Anesthesia for Kids?

In 2019, when administering deep sedation or general anesthesia to infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) revised the latest recommendations for dentists and oral surgeons to follow.

It ensures that at least 2 persons in the room are always qualified to provide advanced life support measures in case of any problems. The dentist or oral surgeon administering the operation will be one of these persons and the other will be an impartial observer. “a physician anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a second oral surgeon, or a dentist anesthesiologist.” this impartial observer must be.

Anesthesia and Pediatric Dentistry Fast Facts

  • Only if appropriate can your child’s dentist prescribe general anesthesia to conduct dental procedures.

  • Through the operation, your child will sleep and have no recollection of it.

  • There are special guidelines for eating and drinking at home before the operation, when anesthesia is required.

  • After the treatment, your child will have some limitations.

  • For most of the day, you can expect to stay in the hospital until the anesthesia has finally worn off and your child is safe to go home.

Sedation and Anesthesia Forms Used by Children

  • Nitrous oxide: This is a mild, and the least intrusive, sedative. It’s usually referred to as ‘giggle gas’ or ‘laughing gas.’ Kids breathe a little air into it. Usually, they don’t go to sleep, but most of them become more relaxed. Most of them are going to get a little stupid and lightheaded, but a few don’t like the feeling.

  • Mild sedation: For older children and adults, this drug (or a combination of medications) is widely used. Your child will be calm and awake, even able to do as he or she is asked to do by the dentist or surgeon. Your child can not even recall things about the dental visit after the operation. These drugs can be safely provided by dentists and oral surgeons when they do dental work, so your child stays awake.

  • Moderate sedation: Kids are sleepier under moderate sedation, but they are generally able to do what the dentist or oral surgeon wants them to do. With mild sedation, older children and young adults do better than younger or more fearful children. They breathe on their own and will usually wake up easily. Most children will not remember anything about the procedure. Dentists and oral surgeons can safely give these medications while they do the dental work.

  • Deep sedation: This involves intravenous (IV) medications to help your child sleep through the procedure. While your child may still move a little and sometimes make noises, he or she may not be able to breathe well on his or her own. There must always be at least one additional qualified professional (independent observer), such as an anesthesiologist (see Who’s Who list below) who can monitor your child’s heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (breathing) during the procedure and until he or she wakes up. This professional can also determine when your child is ready to go home.

  • General anesthesia: Your child will be fully unconscious and pain free under general anesthesia. Specially qualified anesthesia practitioners (doctors, dentists, or registered nurse anesthetists) can prescribe drugs and monitor your child while the dental operation or surgery is performed by a different dentist or oral surgeon. In a specially equipped dental office, an outpatient surgical center (ASC), or a hospital, anesthesia can be administered.

Are You Looking for an Amazing Dentist For Your Kids?

With over 30 years of professional experience helping young patients protect and beautify their smiles, Balfour Dental continues to be the preferred dental office for children and their families in Brentwood California and the surrounding communities of Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay and beyond! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as in general dentistry.  If you are looking to help your kid’s smile, contact Balfour Dental today!

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