Outpatient General Anesthesia in Statesville, NC
Our outpatient general anesthesia in Statesville, NC is recommended for children who are apprehensive, very young, or who have special needs. Although we do not recommend general anesthesia for everyone, some children do not do well under conscious or IV sedation.
General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. General anesthesia is the same process used in procedures such as tonsil removal, ear tube insertion, or hernia repair.
Our outpatient general anesthesia is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting only, and will not require admittance to a hospital or clinic.
The assumed risks of general anesthesia are greater than those of other treatment options. Children who have extreme anxiety or who struggle to sit still for dental procedures may experience greater benefit than potential risks.
Pediatric medical literature typically places the risk of serious reaction to anesthesia in the range of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000. This risk is considered lower than the risk of sustaining an injury in a car accident.
Potential Drawbacks of Sedation
What are the risks of sedation not chosen?
The risks include multiple appointments, potential physical restraint during treatment, and emotional or physical injury to your child to successfully complete treatment.
The risk of going without treatment can include pain, infection, swelling, the spread of decay, damage to developing teeth, and possible hospitalization and danger from untreated dental infections.
Prior to Your General Anesthesia Appointment
Before your child’s appointment, please let us know of any changes to your child’s health. To ensure your child’s safety, you must adhere to the following guidelines:
- If your child has a fever, ear infection, or cold, please stay home. If your child becomes ill, contact us and we will determine if it is necessary to postpone and reschedule your child’s procedure.
- It is essential that you tell your doctor about any drugs or medications your child is currently taking. For your child’s safety, you must also inform your doctor of any drug reactions or changes in your child’s medical history.
- To increase your child’s comfort during their procedure, please bring them to their appointment in comfortable and loose-fitting clothing.
- For their safety, refrain from giving your child any milk or solid foods after midnight the night before your child’s appointment. They should have clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, and Gatorade are fine) for up to 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- A parent or legal guardian is required to remain at the hospital or surgical site for the duration of the procedure.
After Your Appointment
Following your appointment at the surgery center, there are additional procedures to follow. These procedures are designed to minimize risk and successfully transition your child from sedation to waking. Keep in mind the following:
- Following treatment, your child must be closely monitored. They will be drowsy and will need to be kept away from potential harmful areas.
- If your child communicates that they want to sleep, be sure to place them on their side and tilt their chin up. Should your child sleep longer than an hour, wake them up each hour and offer something to drink. This will prevent dehydration. Sips of clear liquid best prevent nausea.
- The first meal following their procedure should be easy to digest and light.
- Before leaving the hospital or outpatient center, your child’s practitioner will provide a comprehensive list of post-op instructions and the most appropriate emergency contact number, should you need it.
Is your child in need of general anesthesia for their next dental procedure?
From back to school exams to restorative dentistry, we are here to provide gentle dentistry options for your family. Schedule an appointment today!