PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Your child’s sedation will be performed by an anesthesia professional trained specifically to provide sedation. They are focused solely on your child, and will not perform any other component of the dental procedure.

To relax your child, they will receive initially a small amount of sedative agent by injection. Once relaxed, an IV will then be placed to provide continuous sedation throughout the procedure.

Your child will be given continuous sedation through the IV. They will be comfortable and relaxed during the entire procedure.

Your child’s heart and blood pressure will be continuously monitored by electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure monitors. Oxygen is administered and levels are closely observed by the anesthesia professional. Your child will breathe normally during the entire procedure.

The anesthesia professional will closely monitor your child to a safe recovery after the procedure is completed. Once stringent criteria have been met, your child will be discharged. Your child may show signs of drowsiness following the procedure and for the remainder of the day. This is completely normal and should not be a cause for concern.

Space is limited to only the professionals working with your child; this allows for the dental and anesthesia teams to focus entirely on your child. You may be present when the initial sedative is given, and will then be given regular updates on the progress of the procedure.

Following the procedure, you may return to your child and be with them during the recovery process.

Your child will be required to have nothing by mouth, including fluids, for at least eight hours before the procedure. Depending on the scheduled time of the procedure, a strict diet may be instructed. If your child consumes any food or liquids prior to the appointment, he or she will not be able to receive sedation for the dental procedure.

Many insurance plans have benefits for sedation with dentistry, particularly for children under the age of six. A pre-authorization from your insurance carrier can be obtained prior to the dental visit. If your insurance carrier does not provide coverage for sedation with dentistry, financing is available through GE Care Credit.

1. Get out the vacuum.  Clean your child’s car seat before you leave for surgery. You’d be amazed what those fingers find to eat in those car seats!

2. Stick to your routine. Keep them on their normal sleep schedule regardless of how early they need to awaken the day of surgery.

3. Avoid the brushing battle.  Ingesting even a small amount of toothpaste or water from brushing teeth the morning of surgery could delay the procedure.

4. Pajama Party. Let them wear their two-piece pajama set to surgery.

5. Buddy system. Bring a friend or family member over the age of 18 to assist the patient in the back seat while you are driving home.  You focus on driving while the helper attends to the needs of the child.

6. No videos, please. Recording a patient before, during or after surgery is not permissible.

7. Take it easy.  All patients are recommended to refrain from normal activities and are encouraged to rest the day of surgery.

8. Extra Caution:  parents need to pay special attention to make sure children are not over-exerting themselves after surgery.

9. They’re in good hands. Seeing your child sedated might be a little unsettling. We treat them as if they are one of our own.