Dental Prucedure with General Anesthesia

Both my twins have had dental problems. I think I was more nervous about how they were going to do. Anyway, the doctor gave them a VERY mild dose of diazepam(I am almost positive that is what it was called) then they used a little nitrous and my girls had no problems. They each even had to have a couple of root canals. They didnt cry or really even remember anything. The meds or the nitrous did not affect them, in my opinion, you couldnt even tell they had been medicated. I am also terrified of putting my kids under for anything...I would see if this could be an option for you. Good luck!

who's the dentist
which teeth and surfaces
who's the anesthesioligst
i have 6 1/2 years in the pediatric dental field

Just my personal opinion: My son had a cavitiy that needed filling and I only wanted him to have a local. He did very well. I'm personally not comfortable with general anesthesia. I do have a dentist that is great with kids and that's probably why my son did fine with him. Could it be that the dentist prefers general because he doesn't want your son to wiggle and squirm around and may not have patience for kids with cavities? Does he want it done this way just to make it easier on himself? I would get another opinion from a pediatric dentist to see how they handle little ones.

I find it strange to be under general anesthesia just for that. If you ask the dentist for a referral to a Pediatric Dentist, I'm sure he'll give you one.

Let us know how it goes, and good luck.

My 9 yr old has had teeth filled with 2 different dentists with a local only. The first time went great! The dentist is very good with kids. He talked and played with her and explained things in a way that made her feel comfortable. She was fine with it. The 2nd time, we went to a different dentist and it was a disaster. The dentist was brusque and hurried. My dd was very upset. I think that the dentist makes a big difference. I also know that they do dental procedures general anesthesia everyday with no problems but there was that 5 yr old who died when the dentist gave her too much. I think that would be my last resort.

Hi,

My daughter now 23 had the same issues at a young age. I did the procedure that they told me about and had her placed under the meds. After she woke up I felt horrible and vowed to never do this again to any children that I would have after her. She felt bad for days, slept all the time and did alot of vomiting. I know that every child will react to the sleeping meds different. But if I could take it all back I would. It was a devistating ordeal for her and for me when I saw what I placed her into.

J.
www.noahbyjodi.com

My sister was 3 years old when she was put under for a surgery for strabismus, or wandering eye. My mom sat with her while she was administered the anesthesia, and was sitting with her when she woke up, so she was never alone. Of course there are risks involved with any type of anesthesia, but as long as you or your husband can sit with your son, everything will be fine.

My son had one cavity, and I opted to use the local shot vs. the general anesthesia. He did very well. This is a child who cries every time I brush his teeth, but for some reason likes the dentist. It was all over in 5 mins. and we didn't have to deal with him being out of it for days. So, I just posted this because one person said their child didn't do the local well. My child did. I think it varies from kid to kid. If you don't feel comfortable, try the local first.

I have two children one that is 5 years old and one that is 11 months old. My five year old had to be put under at the tender age of 2 years old. He had to have an MRI and a Cat Scan, everything went well and my son felt fine after the procedures. My 11 month old had to go in for corrective surgery about 2 months ago and I have to say that he did very well. As a mother too, I can understand your worries and concerns, I would check the anesthesioligist history and also the dentits.

I work for a dentist and have been there with several little children while they are under. Knock on wood, we have never had any problems.

What dentist are you going too? I hope that this helps.

B.

My dentist told me the same thing. We decied to go ahead and try it first with just giving her novicane. It was terrible, she was sooooo scared. There was no way the dentist would be able to work on her without putting her at risk. I did not want to tramatize her and make her crazy. So, we had to put her under. Everything went fine. She was sick for the rest of the day and totally fine the next day! I would strongly reccomend putting her under. There are to many scary sounds and feeling to do it while your son is awake. My daughetr does not remember the event, but she does remember the initial "try" without novicane.
Good luck!
Karen

My son also had to undergo general anesthesia for a dental procedure. It all went well. He was a little groggy for the day but back to himself by dinner time.

Good Luck!