Hospital Anesthesia—A Helpful Tool

It’s not uncommon that the term hospital anesthesia catches parents off guard. They go to their child’s dental appointment only to learn it’s recommended that the procedure be done in a hospital setting. If this is the case, don’t let those words scare you. There are good reasons for it, and all to help your child be safe and healthy.

Did you know that sedation dentistry is common for adults as well? Sometimes for dental anxiety, other times for dental procedures or restorations. Anesthesia is an excellent tool to help keep those smiles in tip-top shape without pain or discomfort.

But of course, sedation dentistry is for more than just adults. It is often needed for pediatric dentistry as well. But when is hospital anesthesia necessary for children? How does it work? And is it safe?

Complex Dental Procedures

If your child is in need of a complex dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction, oral surgery, or extensive restorations, dental sedation in a hospital setting might be the best choice to carry out these procedures. Anesthesia is used in these situations to keep the experience both pain and stress-free.

As soon as you know that your child will be undergoing sedation, start communicating with them so that they know what’s going on. You don’t want them panicking at the idea of going to the hospital for sedation! If you aren’t sure how to do that, don’t worry. We have an article all about how to create a calm and safe environment for dental sedation. 

Medical Conditions and Special Needs

If you have a child with special needs, you know how there are certain things that need to be adjusted for them. Every child is different, which means their needs are different as well. For example, some children with autism are completely fine in the traditional dental setting, but some need just a little extra TLC. Here at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, we pride ourselves on doing what we can to keep all of our little patients smiling, no matter their medical conditions or needs.

Of course, keeping our patient’s care at the forefront sometimes involves recognizing when anesthesia at the hospital might be the best option for a little one. If your child needs this special care, know that anesthesia is going to be the best option to keep them safe, happy, and pain-free.

Severe Anxiety or Behavioral Issues

Dental anxiety is an extremely common problem, and the reasons for it are diverse. In fact, it’s thought that over 36% of adults have dental anxiety in one form or another. If your child is one of the many who has developed anxiety, in-office procedures can be difficult.

The goal is to help the fear and panic, and forcing them to go through a dental procedure without help can often make the problem worse. The fear can cause a child to act out as they enter the classic fight-or-flight mode. This can often be very unsafe for both them and the dental staff. In situations like this, a controlled hospital environment can be helpful to keep everyone safe.

Safety and Monitoring

Whether your child has severe anxiety, medical conditions, or an upcoming intense dental procedure, increased monitoring in a hospital setting can be extremely helpful. This often includes your child’s pulse, heart rate, respiration rate, and even temperature. While your child is under anesthesia, it is important that their vitals can be watched properly to keep them safe.

If you’ve never dealt with all the monitoring, this can be a scary idea. But we can assure you this is completely safe, and if you or your child has any questions or concerns, be sure to bring them up to us!

Coordination With Specialists For Hospital Anesthesia

Taking your child to the hospital for a dental procedure doesn’t mean their dental care is magically passed on to someone else. Rest assured, we collaborate closely with the hospital staff, ensuring each part of the team knows exactly what is going on and what needs to be done. This teamwork ensures the dental work can be done properly, but also with the child’s overall care and safety in mind. 

Question Time

The reason for needing dental sedation is different for every child, but for a parent, hearing the words hospital and anesthesia together for the first time can seem a little overwhelming. If this is the case for your family, write down any questions you might have and ask your child’s dentist at the next appointment. The last thing we want you to do is go home, feeling completely lost and uninformed about the entire situation. Remember that we are always here for you, and our goal is the same as yours—to keep your child happy, healthy, and smiling brightly!

Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry is your partner in your child’s dental health.

If you’ve been told your child needs a dental procedure, and you have questions about whether sedation dentistry may be right for them, give the team at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry a call. Not only can we answer any questions you have, but we are experts in caring for children’s smiles. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.