Getting dental treatment done can be scary for little children. Dental treatment can sometimes be tricky when it is extensive or cooperation of the child is poor.

In such cases, it is ideal to perform the treatment under General Anesthesia (GA). Dental treatment under general anesthesia is safe and effective. Here, the patient is put in a state of controlled sleep. The child will not feel any pain during the procedure or have any memory of getting it done.

Reasons for dental treatment under General anesthesia

• Child who is highly anxious, fearful or has dental phobia.
• When the child is uncooperative or can’t communicate.
• For a child below age 3 with multiple teeth to be treated in single visit
• Children with Intellectual disabilities or special needs, because they may have poor oral hygiene and increased needs for dental treatment compared to the general, healthy population and General anesthesia is often the only way in which dental treatment can be delivered to them.
• Children with complex medical conditions or with advanced full mouth decay who require comprehensive dental treatment.
• Very young children in need of invasive dental procedures.

Benefits of dental treatment under General anesthesia

• Comprehensive dental treatment under General anesthesia is more efficient and cost effective than repeated dental visits utilizing other sedation methods.
• Dental restorations and root canal treatments performed under GA, especially for treatment of early childhood caries, have greater quality and durability than restorations placed under conscious sedation.
• Children who have received dental treatment under GA before 3 years of age , exhibit more positive behavior at future dental visits.
• It allays fears anxiety and psychological trauma as the child will be under the state of sleep during dental treatment.

Preparation for dental treatment under general Anesthesia appointment

Pre anesthesia consultation is required to check whether the child is fit to receive the anesthesia.

Instruction regarding eating and drinking are as follows :

• No clear liquids, water and juices up to 2 hours before surgery.
• No breast milk up to 4 hours before surgery.
• No formula milk up to 6 hours before surgery.
• No solid food up to 6 hours before surgery.

The child must fast for 6 hours before the arrival time for dental treatment
under general anesthesia.. Specifically, no solid food should be given before 6
hours and no liquids before 4 hours.

What to expect during the dental treatment under general anesthesia

The procedure generally requires 1 hr to 1hr 30 mins, depending upon the severity of the dental ailments.

• The general anesthesia is administered through a mask that covers their nose.
• After the child falls asleep, medications are given Intravenously (IV) to maintain the state of sleep throughout the procedure.
• The child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and other vitals are closely monitored regularly.

Postoperative care

The child is kept under observation for 2 to 3 hrs after waking up. They are asked to fast for 2 hours, after which the child can start with water first, then with juice, milkshake, etc.

The child should be given only soft /semi-solid food for the rest of the day.

The child’s nose, mouth, and throat may remain numb for 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure.

The child will be discharged on the same day after a couple hours of observation.

At home care and follow-up visit

• The child should take rest after being discharged and maintain minimum activity.
• Dental hygiene should be effectively performed with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Avoid using powered toothbrushes for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
• Your dentist will inform you when you should schedule a follow-up visit.