Sleep dentistry involves general anesthesia, the use of medication to put children in an unconscious state while they undergo certain dental procedures. Children under general anesthesia are free from pain and unaware of the procedure. Sleep dentistry allows children who have to undergo a complex procedure or who have high dental anxiety to comfortably and safely get the dental care they need.
Sleep dentistry for children is available in Brea, CA, and the surrounding area. Here at Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics, we make your child’s comfort and safety our priority. Call us today at 714-782-0215 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
When a patient undergoes sleep dentistry, they are in a state of controlled unconsciousness. Practitioners achieve this state of controlled unconsciousness with a combination of medications tailored to the person’s physiology that keep the patient asleep, unaware, and free of pain. The patient may receive the medication via IV or breath it in through a face mask. When performed by a qualified professional such as an anesthesiologist, sleep dentistry is a safe and comfortable way for children to undergo complicated dental procedures. These professionals carefully adjust the amount of medications for a child’s age and weight to the child only receives the medication they need.
In addition to undergoing a complex procedure, there are a number of reasons a practitioner may recommend sleep dentistry for a child. Common reasons include:
Our team approaches each child as an individual case and will not recommend sleep dentistry unless it is in the best interest of the child.
Before the child’s procedure, our team will examine the child and get a comprehensive medical history. Based on your children’s physiology and needs, our team will choose the appropriate types and amounts of medications. Parents should make us aware of all their child’s health conditions and medications.
Specific recommendations may vary by child and procedure, but there are some general guidelines that apply to most general anesthesia procedures. Children may have solid food until eight hours before anesthesia and clear liquids until two hours before anesthesia. Our team will instruct parents on how to handle any medication the child is taking.
Parents can take additional steps to ensure their child is comfortable before the process. The child should dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and are encouraged to bring a comfort item like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. Parents should remember that children pick up on their energy and keep themselves calm before the procedure as well.
During the procedure, the child will be closely monitored. At least two of the professionals in the room must be able to perform advanced life support in the rare event it is necessary. These two individuals are usually the dentist performing the procedure and an anesthesiologist.
Our pediatric dentist will focus on the procedure while the anesthesiologist monitors the child’s vitals closely. While the child is under, it is the responsibility of the anesthesiologist to track the patient’s blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate. This professional is responsible for administering the right type and amount of medication and ensuring it is working safely.
The team that monitored the child during the procedure will be there to monitor the child as they wake up to make sure the child is comfortable and has no adverse reaction. Every child reacts differently when coming out of anesthesia. Most kids are sleepy for about an hour or so after they wake up.
Once a child is awake, not in pain, and feeling generally well, they are cleared to go home. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions for the child to take with them. These instructions will include specific issues to watch for related to the procedure and the anesthesia used. Information on when they can start regularly eating again and return to their normal activities will be included in these instructions.
Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics provides sleep dentistry for children in Brea, CA, and the surrounding area. Your child will be in good hands with our experienced and caring team. To learn more, call 714-782-0215 and schedule an appointment.
What are the side effects of general anesthesia?
The side effects of general anesthesia differ depending on the child and the medications used. Common reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, confusion, slurred speech, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, numbness, and tiredness. A complete list of possible side effects and complications will be given to parents at their child’s procedure.
Is sleep dentistry for children safe?
Though general anesthesia does come with inherent risk, it is small. Our team is skilled and experienced in providing sleep dentistry for children. We make every effort to minimize risk and are well trained in how to deal with any complications should they arise.
When should I consider sleep dentistry for my child?
Sleep dentist is often suggested for children with special needs. Sleep dentistry may be an effective choice if your child has trouble sitting still or has extreme dental phobia. Also, sleep dentistry is beneficial for long, complicated procedures or multiple procedures that must be carried out in one appointment.
What are the benefits of sleep dentistry?
The main benefit is fear and discomfort do not get in the way of your child getting the dental care they need. Sleep dentistry can allow for a smoother and faster procedure and a pain-free experience for your child. In fact, your child will have no memory of the procedure after.
What are some alternatives to sleep dentistry?
If you do not like the idea of your child going under general anesthesia, there are other options. Nitrous Oxide is often used in pediatric dentistry to relax children during procedures. This type of sedation does not require as much preparation and wears off quickly after the child’s procedure. Sedation taken orally is another option. Our team will suggest the right course of action for your child.
Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics is located at
1770 E Lambert Rd Suite 210
Brea, CA
92821