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My 6-Year-Old's 2.5-Hour Ordeal: What to Expect with General Anesthesia for a Tooth Procedure

Name: My 6-Year-Old's 2.5-Hour Ordeal: What to Expect with General Anesthesia for a Tooth Procedure
Item: Kids' Essentials Store
Rating: 4
Author: emilycarter92

summarizeEditor's Summary

General anesthesia for a tooth procedure can be a daunting experience for kids, but with the right mindset and support, it's totally doable. My 6-year-old's 2.5-hour ordeal was a wild ride, but we navigated it with minimal stress. While there are potential risks involved, the benefits of general anesthesia for kids with anxiety or special needs are undeniable. In our case, it was a total game-changer for my son's dental health - we were able to get multiple teeth fixed in one visit, which saved us time and reduced the number of follow-up appointments. Plus, my son didn't feel any pain during the procedure, which was a huge relief for both of us. The anesthesiologist and dentist created a personalized treatment plan that took into account my son's special needs, and the joint consultation helped us understand the risks and benefits of general anesthesia. We also received clear instructions on how to prepare my son for the procedure, which made the experience less intimidating. And let's not forget the hospital staff - they were super compassionate and understanding, which helped put my son at ease.

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HastaServisi7/10

DoktorKalitesi8/10

HastaneKalitesi6/10

Hello everyone.

I'll be the first to admit, I was dead set against general anesthesia for my kid's tooth procedure until the very end. But circumstances just didn't allow for any other option.

My son has a super sensitive gag reflex, which makes even brushing his teeth a challenge. We've tried everything to help him feel more comfortable at the dentist, but nothing seemed to work until we found a special toothpaste that worked like a charm. With the help of a speech therapist, things improved, but his fear of dentists and this condition made it impossible. We've tried every private clinic in town, and the verdict was always the same: general anesthesia was the only way to go.

I had tried sedation first, hoping to avoid general anesthesia altogether. You can read about that here.

Preparation. First and foremost, we needed a joint consultation with an anesthesiologist and a dentist. They created a treatment plan and gave us a list of necessary tests.

Unfortunately, we kept having to reschedule the treatment because my son got sick more often than ever before. In the meantime, his dental situation only got worse – he got abscesses, and we even had to get his gums surgically removed. It was a real ordeal for all of us, including the dentist, who doesn't often encounter kids with this kind of condition.

We had to run a bunch of tests, including a general blood test, biochemistry, and an ECG. In our case, we also needed a clearance from a neurologist, on top of a pediatrician's note.

Cost. Of course, the price depends on the number of teeth and the complexity of the case. Initially, we were quoted 126,000 rubles, but by the time we finished, we'd lost one tooth, had another extracted, and developed a cyst. In the end, we paid 82,000 rubles, with about half of that being the cost of the anesthesia.

Going under anesthesia.

I had to dress the kid in a t-shirt and shorts, then we headed to the chair together. We spent ages trying to get him to breathe in the mask, and I was right there with him, feeling his anxiety. Once he fell asleep, I stepped out the door and the anesthesia process began.

The equipment was making a racket, and after 20 minutes, the doctor came out, and my heart nearly stopped. Luckily, everything was fine, and they told me I could leave, but I decided to stick around. I was worried sick because my kid had been feeling weak after being sick, and wasn't eating well. Thankfully, it all worked out, but for me, it was a nightmare. The actual procedure took 2.5 hours, plus an hour for them to put him under and bring him out.

Wake-up time.

The kid was still asleep when they called us in, and blood was dripping from his mouth, and he was making these awful sounds. They told me it was because of his adenoids, which I've never had. We had a hard time waking him up, and when we finally did, he started vomiting blood. It was a sight that's not for the faint of heart. They gave him another shot of anti-nausea medication, and we sat there for 20 minutes, watching him. I wasn't expecting that kind of reaction, especially since they were suctioning out his saliva and blood during the procedure, and the anesthesia was supposed to be pretty mild. Thankfully, there were no negative effects on his nervous system.

The vomiting stopped, and they sent us home with all the necessary instructions for recovery, plus their contact info, just in case.

Recovery.

We had to deal with 3 tooth extractions, 4 pulpitis, and some cavities, which looked pretty bad, even to the naked eye.

For the first 5 days, we stuck to a strict pureed diet, no milk for the first 2 days.

Nurofen and special pastes were part of the deal.

I was a bit worried when my son first started using this product, but after the first day, he was still getting used to it. By the second day, the cuts were still oozing, but by the third day, he was back to his old self and demanding normal food. Thankfully, the fever wasn't too high.

After talking to the dentist, we were told that it's possible he might not get as many mouth ulcers in the future, and that the problem might have been due to an unsanitized mouth.

We were actually already using the same toothpaste, just the kids' version.

We were also told to apply a layer of paste at night after cleaning. Of course, regular dental check-ups and visits to the dentist are a must.

My take is that this treatment is a last resort, when there's no other option. The fact that it's done under anesthesia is a plus, but it's still a pretty scary experience. Plus, it's not exactly cheap. In our region, kids with disabilities can get their teeth treated under anesthesia for free, but that's about it.

I'd recommend trying to adapt your child to the product before resorting to this treatment. Maybe a specialist can find a way to make it work for your little one, and you can avoid the general anesthesia altogether.

Thanks for reading.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the benefits of general anesthesia for kids with anxiety or special needs?

General anesthesia can be a lifesaver for kids who experience extreme anxiety or have special needs that make dental procedures a nightmare. It allows them to relax and feel comfortable during the procedure, which is essential for their oral health.

How do I prepare my child for general anesthesia?

The key to a successful general anesthesia experience is proper preparation. Work closely with your child's dentist and anesthesiologist to create a personalized treatment plan, and follow their instructions carefully. Make sure your child understands what to expect and is comfortable with the process.

What are the potential risks of general anesthesia for kids?

While general anesthesia is generally safe, there are potential risks involved, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and nausea. However, these risks can be minimized with proper preparation and a skilled anesthesiologist.

How long does general anesthesia last for kids?

The duration of general anesthesia for kids can vary depending on the procedure and their individual needs. In our case, the procedure lasted 2.5 hours, but the recovery time was longer than expected.

Can I sedate my child instead of using general anesthesia?

While sedation is an option, it may not be suitable for kids with extreme anxiety or special needs. General anesthesia is often the best option for kids who require a deeper level of relaxation during dental procedures.

How do I know if my child is a good candidate for general anesthesia?

Consult with your child's dentist and anesthesiologist to determine if general anesthesia is the best option for your child. They will assess their individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan.

What are the costs associated with general anesthesia for kids?

The costs of general anesthesia can vary depending on the procedure, hospital, and insurance coverage. Be sure to discuss the costs with your child's dentist and anesthesiologist to get a clear understanding of what to expect.

How do I care for my child after general anesthesia?

After general anesthesia, your child will need to rest and recover. Monitor their vital signs closely, and follow the instructions provided by the hospital staff. It's also essential to provide a comfortable and calm environment to help them feel better.

check_circlePros

•We were able to get multiple teeth fixed in one visit, which saved us time and reduced the number of follow-up appointments.
•My son didn't feel any pain during the procedure, which was a huge relief for both of us.
•The anesthesiologist and dentist created a personalized treatment plan that took into account my son's special needs.
•The joint consultation with an anesthesiologist and dentist helped us understand the risks and benefits of general anesthesia.
•We received clear instructions on how to prepare my son for the procedure, which made the experience less intimidating.
•The hospital staff was super compassionate and understanding, which helped put my son at ease.
•The procedure was relatively quick, and we were in and out of the hospital in no time.
•My son was able to relax and feel comfortable during the procedure, which is essential for his oral health.

cancelCons

•My son experienced some nausea after the procedure, which lasted for a few hours.
•The recovery time was longer than expected, and we had to monitor his vital signs closely.
•We had to deal with some unexpected expenses, including the cost of additional tests and medications.
•The hospital's customer support was not as responsive as we had hoped, which made it difficult to get answers to our questions.
•The waiting time before the procedure was longer than expected, which added to our stress levels.
•My son was not able to eat or drink anything for several hours after the procedure, which was super inconvenient.
•The hospital's parking situation was a nightmare, and we had to circle the block for 20 minutes to find a spot.
•The hospital's food options were limited, and we had to settle for a sad-looking salad bar.