My son needed to have a procedure done for his teeth because of cavities building up. His dentist proposed to do it in one setting, that is, putting him out, instead of doing it one at a time (which would require us to go back at least 4 times, that he might get traumatized with the experience). I understand the situation but my main concern is on putting him out. Is it safe for a 3 yr.old kid?
2006-07-19 05:40:15 · 9 answers · asked by el-el 2 in Health ➔ Dental
General Anaesthetics are safer then they used to be. The monitering equipment is far more accurate and digitalized.
However the medications used for the general anaesthesia work by decreasing brain function and increasing muscle relaxation.
General anaesthetics are successful most of the time and are necessary in alot of cases involving dental work for 3 year olds who would be non compliant. or who require extensive work.
You just have to be aware that with any general anaesthetic that there is a slight risk of death. It rarely happens but it is a real complication. Anyone who would say that it wasn't a risk would be lying.
2006-07-19 05:51:24 · answer #1 · answered by BouncingMolar 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This can be a safe procedure, but if you are planning on having all needed treatment completed (Why else would you even consider general anesthesia, though?), do it in a hospital. Find a pediatric dentist who has hospital privileges and that's the way to go. This way, you will have an anesthesiologist who will be doing nothing but monitoring your child during the entire procedure. Some dentists use general anesthesia in the office and this is probably okay for a brief visit with an adult patient, but I would not want to see a 3 year old "monitored" by the same person who is busy trying to fix teeth at the same time.
2006-07-19 09:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If done properly, general anesthetic is safe for a 3 year old. Is your dentist a pediatric dentist? And is your son having this procedure done in the office or at a hospital?
My son has had GA when he was having an MRI done(he fights sedation), but it was done at the hospital when he was about 4 years old.. In fact, he is going to the dentist this afternoon to have his 2 bottom baby teeth extracted, and I was wondering what they are going to use.. if you like when I get back, I will update this answer and tell you what the dentist said and did, I will ask for you.
Good Luck to you.
Well, I went to the dentist and he told me that if done right, then it is completely safe for them to give general anesthetic to your child. He also said that the dentist is right, it is better for him to do them all at once, for his sake. Hope this helped
2006-07-19 05:47:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is always the risk of something happening, but doing these fillings on him while he's awake won't be any fun for him. I used to work for a dentist who would do this kind of work and trust me, kids are much happier when they are put to sleep. He'll have a much better experience this way and won't be freaked out by the dentist when he get's older. Good luck
2006-07-19 06:06:05 · answer #4 · answered by justine 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a doctor, but I would say that anytime you put anyone under anesthesia, there is a chance that they will never wake up. Having said that, both of my sons had general anesthesia when they were 3 for their surgeries, and they are fine.
2006-07-19 05:46:53 · answer #5 · answered by t79a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of trying to explain the risks of the different types of anesthesia (local, conscious and general) , look at the bottom of this article written by a more qualified source than I:
http://www.intensivecaring.com/cavities_and_anesthesia.htm
General anesthesia has a certain risk for ANYONE of any age and should not be taken lightly at any time.
2006-07-19 05:50:48 · answer #6 · answered by Orion 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 3 year old is very resiliant. You might get a second opinion on the anaesthetic (both for the op, and after) from your doctor or pharmacist. I have personally known of newborn babies who had to be put out for a lifesaving op, and they came through just fine.
2006-07-19 05:50:12 · answer #7 · answered by Delora Gloria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely safe. The dentist has probably done it many times. My niece and nephew have both been put out for dental work and it isn't bad at all.
2006-07-19 05:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by darthbouncy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's safe.. but there still are some risks. I think it depends on the dentist... if he is an oral surgeon then you should be fairly confident. If he is just a general dentist, I recommend you go to an Oral surgeon.
2006-07-19 05:49:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋