General Anesthesia for Children in Katy
General anesthesia is usually recommended for extremely apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs that would not work well under conscious sedation.
General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep. This would be the same as if he or she was having their tonsils removed and ear tubes placed. While the assumed risks are greater than that of other treatment options, if this is suggested for your child, the benefits of treatment this way have been deemed to outweigh the risks.
Studies have shown that the probability of a significant reaction to anesthesia is in the scale of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000. So, in reality, it is actually more dangerous for a kid to go into a car ride daily than to get a reaction from anesthesia. Many parents who are still afraid of anesthesia opt for extensive longer procedures without considering that by doing this they are potentially causing major physical injuries and emotional distress to their child as treatments will required more visits and the potential of physical restraint in order to perform a procedure in a nervous, stressed and uncooperative patient.
Also, the dangers of bot performing any procedure are even worst. They can involve severe infections, tooth pain, swelling, decay propagation and even affect the growth of their adult teeth. Severe infections can also lead to life threatening hospitalization
Below our Katy pediatric dentist at Kids Healthy Teeth have included a parent guide, so you can
learn more about dental health for children!
Prior to your appointment
- Please notify us of any change in your child’s health. Do NOT bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us immediately to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.
- You must tell the doctor of any medications that your child is currently taking, of any drug reactions, and/or of any change in medical history.
- Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Your child should not have milk or solid food after midnight prior to the scheduled procedure and clear liquids ONLY (water, apple juice, Gatorade) for up to 2 hours prior to the appointment.
- The child’s parent or legal guardian must remain at the office during the complete procedure.
After the sedation appointment
- Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm.
- If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. The first meal should be light and easily digestible.
- If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.
- Prior to leaving the office, you will be given a detailed list of “Post-Op Instructions” and an emergency contact number if needed.
FAQ
General anesthesia in Katy is used for some procedures. It is used to put you in a drowsy state during your procedures, so you do not feel pain. General anesthesia is a combination of different medications/gases depending on the type that is used.
There is not an exact age that anesthesia is safe for children. It does depend on the procedure that your child needs done. Our professionals will be able to determine if your child can go under general anesthesia in Katy. If you have any questions, recommend giving us a call.
Oral surgery in Katy is a surgery that is needed in and outside of your mouth; it also includes your jaw. Oral surgery should only be performed by an oral surgeon who is specialized in the dental field. If you think you need oral surgery, please reach out to us.
There are a few different reasons as to why children may need oral surgery in Katy. One reason is an impacted tooth, impacted teeth are not good and may need to come out. Another reason is your child could have jaw issues and may need surgery to fix it.
Depending on the work that is needed, procedures are different. The preparation for Katy oral surgery is relatively the same. We will go over x-rays and start prepping for the procedure. If sedation is needed, we will prepare your child and give them the proper sedation.