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General Anesthesia Dentistry

General anesthesia dentistry refers to the use of a general anesthetic during dental treatment. A young child with a dental phobia, low pain tolerance, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes, who requires major dental treatment, may not be able to tolerate the necessary treatment with local anesthesia or even sedation. Some medical conditions may even contraindicate the use of sedation. These patients may benefit from having all needed treatment done during a single session while under a general anesthetic. This is accomplished most often in a hospital or surgi-center. A complete medical history will be taken by your pediatric dentist and a thorough physical exam will be completed by your pediatrician prior to this treatment, to protect your child’s health and well-being. The guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry list the following indications (reasons) for the use of general anesthesia: Patients who are unable to cooperate due to lack of psychological or emotional maturity and/or mental, physical or medical disability; Patients for whom local anesthesia is ineffective because of acute infection, anatomic variations or allergy; The extremely uncooperative, fearful, anxious or uncommunicative child or adolescent; Patients requiring significant surgical procedures; Patients for whom the use of deep sedation or general anesthesia may protect the developing psyche and/or reduce medical risks; Patients requiring immediate, comprehensive oral/dental care. If your child requires general anesthesia, your pediatric dentist will discuss pre-surgical and post-surgical issues with you and answer any questions you may have. A frank discussion about the risks, benefits and options will be a part of the planning for your child’s visit to the hospital. General anesthesia facilitates the delivery of quality comprehensive diagnostic, restorative and/or other dental services that would be otherwise unavailable to many patients.

In the beginning, the timid patient is worried about being in strange surroundings with unfamiliar faces. The patient is made to be as comfortable as possible with the ability to keep their most favorite toy and some of the comforts of home. In a very short time, the patient becomes more relaxed and familiar with everything, and they begin to share their personality with others. The patient is taken to the OR (operation room) where they are also allowed to bring their favorite toy as they meet more strangers, the OR team. Viewing the care of the patient through the eyes of the doctor as he performs treatment of the patient, he sees a group of highly skilled staff members performing superior patient care, utilizing the newest and most accurate equipment.