General Anesthesia

Hi S.! I am an an anesthesiologist and a mother too! If you are having the procedure in the dentist's office, usually the dentist provides the sedation and there is not an anesthesiologist present. If the procedure is in a hospital or surgery center, you can expect to meet the anesthesiologist beforehand and he/she will talk to you and your daughter prior to the procedure. Often we administer an oral sedative (it is like Valium) before going back to the operating suite. In most healthy kids, the general anesthesia starts with breathing "laughing gas" through a mask until the children are asleep, and then an intravenous catheter is placed after the child is asleep. So I would anticipate that your daughter could expect some syrup to drink that will make her feel silly and relaxed and sleepy, then she will breathe some laughing gas and fall asleep and not feel any pain, and then wake up after it is all done. I probably wouldn't spend too much time talking about it, especially if you are feeling anxious about if because she will likely pick up on your anxiety. For some more advice, I recommend the website www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com and select "children & anesthesia". Finally, I want to reassure you that general anesthesia provided by an anesthesiologist is very safe and the providers will usually try very hard to ensure that you and your daughter have a good experience. I hope it all goes well!

My son has had this done twice. Once last year (at 4 years) and then yesterday (at 5 1/2 years). Here's how it goes:
He wasn't allowed to eat at least 8 hours beforehand.
When we got there, they took us into the room and had him lay down in the chair.
The administered a couple of shots in his gums and then we read books for about 20 minutes to let it take affect.
Your child's face will get itchy. Garrett itched his head and nose a lot. It's just the Demerol.
Once he was numb, they went to work! I was able to be there and hold his hand the entire time.
My son needed a lot of work so we were there for 1 1/2 hours! After they finished on one side, they came back and gave shots on the other side.
Your kiddo will be wobbly, but may not fall asleep during the procedure. Probably afterwards for a few hours. You have to wait about 2 hours before giving any food or drink. Than you give water to see if it stays down. If so, you are good to go! Garrett was a trooper. I didn't talk to him about what would happen at all. I didn't want to hye it up. I let the dentist tell him what he was doing and what to expect. I was just there for support! Good luck! Your kiddo will be fine! Let me know if you have any other questions.
T.

Both of my boys have had to go under for dental work.

I definitely agree that setting the expectation of what's going to happen in advance is the best way to make sure that she will feel comfortable. I suggest being as straight forward, calm toned and positive about it as possible. (If you're nervous, she will sense that and it will make her nervous too.)

You may want to call the dentist office in advance to find out how it will all play out, so you can be as accurate as possible when describing it to her. For example: "When we get to the dentist office, Dr. _________ and his/her assistant _________ (and/or the anesthesiologist) will take you to a room where they'll give you the silly gas to help you be comfortable". If you have a good dentist, they'll do plenty to make your daughter feel comfortable too. (They may have her pick a movie or something.) Then let her know that although she may stay awake, she may not remember anything until all the work is all done. She may be a little tired and groggy for a little while when it's done, but she can take a nap or cuddle with you on the couch for a little bit when you get home.

One side recommendation is that you should bring a camera with video capabilities to record her for a few minutes (like right when you get in the car). Both of my boys said the funniest things when they're coming out of it. I wish I had it on video! :o) Showing it to her later might also see that she was being funny and not have any post anxieties about it. (That's up to you knowing your daughter personality though.)

Best of luck to you! I'm sure everything will go smoothly.

My son had this twice once when 4 and then again at 5. It is so nice to get all of the work done at once and they are asleep, wish I could do that. Anyway, my son was kind of crabby both times when he woke up but that was about it. Oh and he was so funny when they wheeled him away, they gave him a liquid that made him so loopey before he left us and he didn't even know what happened. But you can tell her that this is the best way to make her teeth healthier again and it won't hurt at all and that she will take a little nap, she might get to keep the PJ's too and the socks, my son liked that. Anyway I don't know why she is going in but if it is for cavities start having her use the kids Act mouth wash at night and you can preent her from having more cavities, we had to do that with my son and he has been the crest kid for 2 years now and my daughter uses it and has never had a cavity. It makes a difference really. Good luck and she will be fine. He should do all of the shots in her gums so it doesn't hurt later, ask him about that if he hasn't told you.

Hi S. - I have had both of my boys "knocked out". My oldest was almost 4 when he was the first time for dental work. The 2nd time was for tubes in his ears. My youngest has been out 3 times (thumb surgery, MRI/CT scans, and ear surgery). It can be a scary event for kids but you are already on the right track by talking to her about what to expect. Is the hospital where this is going to happen close to your home? If so ask them if you can give her a tour (during non busy time) and walk her through the process (you may not even need to look at the operating room as she will be asleep & wont know she was there). Tap into your dentist (hope they are a pediatric one), many times they have videos/books that you can share with your daughter. Also check out the library for books on this subject. You will never know for sure how she will react to the anesthesia but more than likely she will be fine. For my boys, they took with them special stuffed animal (many times the hospitals give them special presents too). The hospitals (we have worked with 4 different ones) also were great & gave the stuffed animals a medical ID bracelet just like our kids got. When my youngest had surgery on his thumb the hospital also put a bandage on his bear. It really helped him to deal with the bandage & he ended up thinking it was "cool".

What to expect... more than likely after you arrive at the hospital: you will get her changed into hospital clothes (vitals will also be taken), have her go potty, and then drink a fruit flavor liquid (that will help her get sleepy). Let her know that you are there and love her & will always be there, she is going to rest/get sleepy for a little bit but you will be there when she wakes up. I have even been able to carry one of my boys to the operating room. One of the biggest things us Moms need to do is keep a good happy face, don't get teary/crying or sad (don't fake happy!!) - kids pick up on that so fast!. Your attitude will help make this a positive event for your daughter. When she starts to wake up the staff will bring you back to be with her. Each kid wakes up different (I have had my kids wake up wonderful & also upset), but again our attitude will help them adjust quickly. You can usually sit in a rocker with them as they wake up (the vitals machine will stay hooked up for a while). After they can go potty & drink some juice or even eat a little, you can take them home. Depending on how each kid is some stay sleepy off & on for the day, others bounce back right away (bring a change of clothes for accidents or if they puke). There is no one way for kids (even repeat kids). If you have any questions, write them down, talk to the dentist, doctor & hospital and follow the directions given. After you are home call them with any concerns, even if it is after hours, they expect & want calls.

It can be a frightening thing for both parents & kids but it will be OK. Yes, there are risks (and they will talk with you about those) but there are risks in just driving down the road. Trust the process & take it one step at a time and your daughter (with your prep help) will make it through with flying colors. God Bless