FAQ

General anesthesia is a mix of mediations that will rapidly create an unconscious state. In pediatric anesthesia, this initial mix of medications is usually inhaled and takes between 30 seconds and a minute to achieve sedation. Once under anesthesia, the patient does not feel or react to pain or other stimulus.

Yes, anesthesia in the dental office is safe. The risks are the same in a dental office as they would be in a hospital setting. These risks are low when pre-operative and fasting instructions are followed. Additionally, all monitoring equipment and medications used are the same as used in hospitals.

Anesthesia is a common treatment option for children needing dentistry—even simple fillings. The use of anesthesia prevents traumatic experiences for young children and is a preferred technique to accomplish a safe, pain-free appointment. If any of the following scenarios apply to you, dental anesthesia may be a great choice for your child’s upcoming procedure:

• My child is afraid of: the dentist / the dental procedure / getting a shot / pain

• My child is of a pre-cooperative age or has difficulty remaining still

• My child has an extensive treatment plan, and I would like everything completed in one appointment

• My child has a medical condition or a disability requiring special care for dental procedures

The following rules are EXTREMELY important for patient safety. If the diet restrictions are not followed, you are required to notify the dentist anesthesiologist and your appointment may be rescheduled.

• No eating or drinking for 8 hours before the scheduled procedure. 

• Exception- They are allowed to have water, CLEAR juice (no pulp), or a CLEAR sports drink up to 3 hours before the procedure. 

• Breast milk may be consumed up to 4 hours prior to the procedure.

It is extremely important to follow these guidelines to avoid an unnecessary cancellation of the procedure.

You will arrive at the dentist’s office and check in with the front desk. You and your child will meet the anesthesiologist who will attempt to establish rapport with your child, collect pertinent health and social information and brief you on what to expect. You will also speak with the dentist prior to the procedure.

Your child will go with the anesthesiologist to the procedure room. You will not be able to come in the room while your child is being sedated. This is solely for your child’s safety. The anesthesiologist needs to focus on the safety and care of your child. There is always at least one other member of the care team assisting the doctor. Anesthesia will be induced by breathing anesthesia (sleepy) gas from a mask. Your child will be monitored with the same type of equipment and level of intensity that is used for general anesthesia in the hospital. An IV will be placed once your child is asleep and a breathing tube will be advanced through a nostril and placed in the trachea to maintain an open airway. 

We recommend you do not tell your child about the IV; in our experience this only increases their anxiety and may make them more resistant. We like to make it a fun experience for your child to make future dental visits go smoothly.

During the procedure, the child will receive a medication for nausea as well as a medication like ibuprofen. 

After the completion of the procedure, the IV and breathing tube are removed before the child is fully awake. We will bring your child to the wake-up room while they are still moderately sedated. You will be present while they are waking up. 

Most children rouse within 5-10 minutes of being in the recovery area, but please be aware that they are often fussy and grumpy for up to an hour. They are likely NOT in pain, however the disorientation from the anesthesia medicines and different sensations from the dental procedure will frustrate and confuse them, many times leading to anger and/or agitation. 

Once your child begins to wake from the sedation, it is safe to travel home. It is recommended that 2 adults are present for the ride–one to assist with the child’s needs, and the other adult to insure a safe driving journey home. Being drowsy and a bit fussy is not uncommon immediately post-op (especially for pediatric patients), and on occasion nausea might be expected. Plan to stay at home with your child the rest of the day.  They will be able to go back to their normal daily routine the following day.

Your child’s safety is our top priority; our doctors will carefully review your child’s medical history and will inform you if your child is not a good candidate for general anesthesia in the office. If that is the case, we will refer you to a hospital or surgery center. 

Let your child be the guide. Once they are awake enough to say they are hungry or thirsty, it is fine for them to do so. This may be 10 minutes after the procedure or an hour. Don’t force them, but also don’t deny them if they ask. Most dental procedures result in sore gums and teeth, so soft or cold food and drink will feel good for a day or two.

You administer weight appropriate doses of both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) following the procedure. You will be notified of the timing of these medicines during your conversation with the anesthesiologist after the procedure.

Atlas Anesthesia is not contracted with commercial insurance companies. However, if you are privately insured and would like to file a claim with your insurance company, we will provide you with a detailed receipt after the procedure for you to submit to your insurance company directly. It is important to know that your insurance company may provide complete, partial or no coverage.  If you have any questions, please contact your insurance company.