Young children with dental pain or infections often require some form of treatment. More often than not, this treatment will take place at the dentist office. However, in some situations this treatment will require general anesthesia. If Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry believes that your child may need to undergo general anesthesia at a hospital, that is a decision that will directly involve the parent or guardian.

General anesthesia is a combination of medications that put you in a sleep-like state before surgery or other medical procedures. Under general anesthesia, the person receiving the treatment does not feel pain because they are unconscious. Not all children require general anesthesia, however, some may benefit from it. Let’s review some of the reasons that your dentist might recommend general anesthesia for one of your child’s dental procedures.

Depending on the type of treatment that your child needs, there may be an option to have their dental work done in one trip or multiple trips. Situations may also arise that make it better for your child to have a lot of work done at one particular time. The decision to limit the number of trips to the dentist for a dental problem can result in less stress and anxiety for your little one.

Some complex dental procedures may require multiple hours of work from your child’s dentist. If your child is relaxed and asleep, the dentist can work more efficiently and assure that your child has the best experience possible. This allows the dentist to focus all of their energy on doing a perfect job without rushing the procedure.

It isn’t uncommon for children to be intimidated or hesitant about new experiences. We previously went over some tips for avoiding pediatric dental phobias. If your child has anxiety during their trip to the dentist office, easing their fear can potentially be a daunting task. 

Many children react well to the use of oral sedation or nitrous oxide. Other children have a more pronounced level of anxiety. In some of these types of situations, general anesthesia may be the best experience for your little one. If your child has discomfort and is unable to relax in a dental chair, we might talk to you about the potential for visiting the hospital for a more extensive procedure. When the anesthesia is administered your child will be asleep and feel no pain. 

Not all children are able to remain completely still while a dentist works on their teeth for a period of time. Some can be anxious, reluctant, or unsure about the experience. It is important to begin with trips to the dentist as early on as possible to establish familiarity with dental visits. However, sometimes that even isn’t enough. If you think your child would benefit from general anesthesia, contact our office. We will go over the entire procedure with you so that you can make the right decision for your child. If you decide that anesthesia is the solution, we will make sure that you are prepared for the procedure and know exactly what to expect.

At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we are here to answer your questions about your child’s oral health. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for your young one and go over any concerns you may have. Give us a call today at 812-234-5437!