General Anesthesia in Meridian, ID

General anesthesia for children is a medical technique used to induce a state of unconsciousness and loss of sensation during dental procedures. At Dental Care for Kids, it is typically reserved for cases where other methods of sedation or local anesthesia are insufficient or inappropriate to ensure the comfort and safety of the child.

The Benefits of General Anesthesia

If a child is anxious about their upcoming treatment, then it may be recommended by their pediatric dentist to achieve the dental care they need while under general anesthesia. This will allow the child to sleep through the procedure, and they will not feel anything during their visit. This means that they will not experience any pain or discomfort at all. This also means local anesthetics will not need to numb the area before or during the treatment. Since no injections or other pain are involved, the pediatric dentist can start and complete the necessary treatments without sedation or any other pain medication. While your child is asleep, the dentist can use anesthetics or other medications to ensure adequate anesthesia. This will help to keep your child comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Once completed, they will be awake and ready to return home.

The Procedure for General Anesthesia for Children

Before the procedure, the child will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This includes a review of their medical history, any current medications they are taking, and any allergies they may have. The anesthesia provider will also assess the child's overall health and any underlying medical conditions that may affect the anesthesia. The child will be given specific diet and drink guidelines before the procedure. In most cases, the child must refrain from eating or drinking anything for a certain period before the process. This is to prevent complications such as aspiration during the administration of anesthesia. 

Once the child is in the operating room, the anesthesia provider will place monitoring devices to assess the child's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Anesthesia will be induced through a mask the child breathes through. The child will gradually become unconscious and not feel or remember anything during the procedure. During the dental process, the anesthesia provider will continuously monitor the child's vital signs and adjust the anesthesia as needed to ensure the child remains in a deep state of unconsciousness. While the child is under general anesthesia, the dentist will perform the dental procedure. The dental team will work efficiently to complete the necessary treatments. 

If your child is scheduled for a procedure that requires sedation or general anesthesia, contact Dental Care for Kids at 3235 N Towerbridge Way Suite #200, Meridian, ID 83646, or call (208) 888-7711. Our dentist will be able to explain any options to you in more detail and help you make the best decision for your child’s unique circumstances.