Pediatric Dentistry Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC)
Pediatric dentistry at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC) is dedicated to providing safe dental surgery procedures and treatment while your child is under general anesthesia (sleep dentistry). This form of treatment allows a child to experience no pain during the procedure. The process also allows a dentist to fully and completely restore teeth without concern of injuring a child who may be unable to cooperate or sit still in a chair during treatment.
Restoring teeth after removal of dental decay.
Pediatric Dentists at Southern Indiana Surgery Center (SISC)
Pediatric Dentistry at SISC
At Southern Indiana Surgery Center, our pediatric dental surgeons utilize anesthesiologists that offer dental anesthesia for children to ensure a pleasant, safe, and anxiety-free dental experience.
Children who may benefit from pediatric dental anesthesia include:
- Those undergoing extensive treatment or multiple treatments, such as lengthy dental restoration
- Very young patients who may be unable to keep still or cooperate for the length of the necessary dental treatment
- Children with high levels of anxiety or those who are unable to manage anxiety
- Special needs patients
- Patients receiving dental treatment in conjunction with additional oral surgery
For these patients, your pediatric dentist may recommend general anesthesia be administered in a surgical setting where a board-certified anesthesiologist will sedate the child to complete unconsciousness in order for the dental procedure to be performed.
Goals of pediatric dental sedation include:
- Guarding the safety and welfare of the patient
- Minimizing physical discomfort and pain
- Controlling anxiety and minimizing psychological trauma
- Maximizing the potential for amnesia (the child typically does not remember the procedure)
- Controlling behavior or movement to provide a safer environment in which to perform the necessary procedure
Before Pediatric Dental Sedation
Your pediatric dentist will give you detailed instructions on what to expect before, during, and after your child’s dental sedation. In most cases, food and drink should be withheld after midnight for procedures performed in the morning. For afternoon treatments, your anesthesiologist may allow clear liquids, however, you should confirm this prior to your child’s appointment.
Have your child wear comfortable clothing, short sleeves with no buttons, and comfortable, flat shoes (no flip flops). A favorite stuffed animal or blanket may be helpful to give your child comfort prior to the procedure.
If your child has any change in health within 2 weeks of treatment, especially a cold or fever, please inform your doctor as soon as possible, as the procedure may need to be rescheduled for your child’s safety.
If your child normally takes daily medication, you may dispense these with a sip of water unless your doctor has instructed you not to do so.
During Pediatric Dental Anesthesia
During pediatric dental anesthesia, your child will be closely monitored for the duration of the procedure. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, as well as rate, depth and quality of breathing will be constantly observed to assure the safety of your child at all times. Emergency medications are always available in the rare case they may be needed, and all SISC staff members are extensively qualified to use them.
The length of time your child will be sedated will depend on how extensive the dental procedure is. Once the dental work is completed, your child will need to remain at the surgery center until the anesthesia has worn off and he/she is cleared to return home. In most cases, parents are able to be with their child as he/she wakes up.
After Pediatric Dental Anesthesia
Your child may feel tired or groggy for a few hours after waking, which is completely normal. Some children come out of sedation fussy or confused, while others awake as if nothing has happened. Your child may experience some nausea or dizziness. Taking it easy the rest of the day so that the medication can completely make its way through the body is recommended. Your child should be supervised on the way home in the car and at home for the first day. Have your child sleep on his/her side in case of vomiting.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and avoid solid foods until he/she is completely recovered. Serving soft, cool foods for the first couple of hours after treatment may be more comfortable to eat, as your child’s mouth will be numb.
Your child should not experience significant pain after waking, however over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Motrin can be used for sore mouth and gums.
Side effects are rare after dental sedation. Contact your doctor if your child becomes ill or experiences:
- Fever
- Vomiting after the anesthesia has worn off
- Excessive bleeding of the gums
- Intense pain
At Southern Indiana Surgery Center, your child’s care and safety are of the utmost importance. If you have questions regarding dental anesthesia, please contact our office and we will be happy to address any concerns you may have.
Disclaimer: These pages are not intended to provide medical or surgical advice or physician instruction on medical care or treatment. If you are a patient, consult with your doctor about treatment options that may be appropriate for your medical condition.