Using general anesthesia in dentistry, like other types of anesthesia, has its own risks and problems. But if the place has good equipment and a skilled anesthesia team, these problems can be made smaller. Before the procedure, the patient is checked carefully to make sure they're ready for it.

At Dentitia, Kids Dentist Dr. Revathi M recommends general anesthesia as a treatment option for children falling into the following categories:

• Children who are extremely uncooperative, afraid, or anxious during dental procedures.
• Children requiring extensive dental treatment but are too young to understand instructions or cooperate effectively.
• Special needs children who may struggle to comprehend the dentist's instructions and require additional support.
• Individuals in need of complex dental procedures or surgeries such as multiple dental extractions, wisdom tooth removal, or dental cyst removal.

In these situations, general anesthesia provides a safe and controlled environment for dental treatment, ensuring optimal care and comfort for the patient.

The anesthesiologist determines which method is best for giving anesthesia to your child. The most general way to administer general anesthesia is by giving it through an IV. To numb the pain from an injection, a numbing cream is rubbed on the child’s arm. The doctor will decide which method is the best way to administer general anesthesia to the child.

There are also other methods of giving general anesthesia such as by mouth or by the nose, depending on the need.

Evaluation: A consultation with the dentist is essential prior to the procedure. Based on the clinical condition and relevant dental X-rays, the dentist determines the appropriate course of treatment. A pre-anesthesia evaluation is conducted in collaboration with Our anesthesiologist, considering laboratory reports and medical history. Physical examination ensures the patient's safety during dental treatment or surgery. Additionally, a general physician or pediatrician may provide consent regarding the patient's overall health, and specialist evaluation may be sought if necessary.

Food And Fluid Restrictions: The child's stomach should be empty when general anesthesia is administered. Prior to your child's anesthesia, specific, age appropriate instructions regarding feeding are provided by the clinic staff.

After the procedure, your child will be discharged once they have regained consciousness and are alert. It's common for children to feel tired and drowsy for a few hours following anesthesia. To ensure a smooth recovery, your child will be advised to stay at home with minimal activity for the next 24 hours. Postoperative antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed as needed, and dietary recommendations for your child's postoperative care will be provided.

Creating a happy and relaxed environment is crucial for your child's safe and comfortable recovery from a procedure under general anesthesia. This supportive atmosphere helps promote healing and ensures that your child's recovery process is as smooth as possible.

In certain circumstances, parents may accompany their children at the beginning of the procedure to help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. However, once the procedure begins, parents are not permitted inside the operating room. This policy ensures the smooth progression of the procedure and maintains a controlled environment necessary for the safety and effectiveness of the treatment under general anesthesia. While parents may not be present during the procedure itself, the medical team ensures that the child's well-being and comfort are prioritized throughout the process.

The potential side effects of general anesthesia may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

However, these side effects are rare and typically mild. If you have any concerns or questions regarding general anesthesia, please feel free to discuss them with our doctors during your consultation visit. It's important to note that the dentist only recommends treatments under general anesthesia when they are necessary for the well-being of the patient.