Families sometimes receive treatment plans from pediatric dentists that entail using general anesthesia for kids’ dental work. In fact, at Kits Family Dental in Vancouver, we frequently have parents come in for second opinions to see if we can complete the treatment with local anesthesia instead (usually we can!).
We get it; the thought of your young child going under can be scary. But our team is here to help. In this post, our Kistilano kids’ dentists are sharing everything you need to know about general anesthesia in a dental setting.
Can Dentists Use General Anesthesia?
Yes, dentists can use general anesthesia as a form of dental sedation for kids. It may be administered in a hospital, surgery center, or, according to the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals, in the office, if the dentist completes a postgraduate program in general anesthesia or a postgraduate program in oral and maxillofacial surgery that includes training in general anesthesia.
There are also a host of other requirements that a dentist must meet to offer general anesthesia for kids’ dental work outside of a hospital. These include having the proper equipment, certifications, and highly trained staff to monitor your child during the procedure.
Why Would a Child Go Under Anesthesia for Dental Work?
General anesthesia puts a child in a sleep-like, unconscious state and is generally considered a last resort for more complicated, lengthy procedures.
Putting a child under anesthesia for dental work may be recommended if:
- A child is too young to cooperate or follow directions during dental procedures
- A patient has cognitive or motor issues that prevent them from safely receiving dental care while awake
- A child needs extensive dental work that would require multiple visits
Because the child is asleep, the dentist can work more quickly and effectively without making the patient uncomfortable or creating a fear of the dentist. It also allows the dentist to complete all procedures in one appointment.
Is General Anesthesia for Kids’ Dental Work Safe?
When performed by licensed and experienced professionals, general anesthesia for kids’ dental work is generally safe. It’s also becoming more common.
One study noted that between 2010 and 2013, dental work under general anesthesia was the most common day surgery in Canadian kids ages 1-5, representing 31% of pediatric day surgeries, and this number is increasing.
But as with any medical procedure, there are risks of general anesthesia for a child, including cardiac events. Additionally, the FDA published a warning in the United States citing research that found repeated or prolonged exposure (lasting longer than three hours) to general anesthetic drugs in children under three could impact brain development.
For these reasons, it’s essential to weigh the risks of general anesthesia against the benefits with your dentist.
You’ll also want to ensure that:
- The pediatric dentist has the appropriate training and licensing to administer general anesthesia
- The facility (office, surgery center, etc.) is accredited by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia
- There will be another professional in the room with training in general anesthesia who will be monitoring your child while the dentist is performing the dental procedure
Are There Alternatives to Dental Sedation for Kids?
Absolutely! Many children can have their dental treatments done without general anesthesia. Behavior management techniques like using kid-friendly terms, tell-show-do (telling a child what you’re going to do and showing them how a tool works before doing it), distraction, and positive reinforcement are great ways to alleviate dental anxiety and help a child get the care they need.
If behavioral techniques aren’t effective, there are other types of dental sedation for kids that can be discussed. For example, conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas), could be an option. Unlike with general anesthesia, a patient who receives laughing gas is awake and able to communicate and follow instructions.
At Kits Family Dental, we pride ourselves on the fact that we can handle the bulk of our restorative dental treatments for children without sedation. Parents are often surprised at how much work we can get done.
Can Young Kids Get Dental Work Done With Just Local Anesthesia?
For the majority of dental work, in the hands of an experienced dentist, local anesthesia can be just as effective as sedation.
Our Kitsilano dentists find that 90% of the time, we can complete kids’ dental treatments using local anesthesia alone. If there are multiple cavities, this will mean several appointments. But don’t worry, we make these visits as comfortable, convenient, and stress-free as possible.
Occasionally, if a child is too young to cooperate or has certain healthcare needs, sedation might be the safest solution. In those cases, we’ll work closely with you to determine the best approach for your child’s care.
Our Sedation-Free Approach to Comfortable Kids’ Dental Care
We’ve honed our approach to make dental care manageable and gentle for kids of all ages. Here’s how we perform restorative treatments without sedation:
- Clear Communication
Our dentists and team are experienced in working with kids. We know how to talk to little ones to help them understand what’s happening and put them at ease. We use a variety of tried-and-true behavioral techniques to encourage cooperation and relaxation. - Gentle InjectionsWe know that needles are often a major source of anxiety for both kids and parents. That’s why we use gentle injection techniques to make numbing as comfortable as possible.
Before giving any injection, we apply a topical numbing gel to the area, so the initial pinch of the needle is as painless as possible. We also keep the needle out of sight and use terms like “sleepy juice” to describe the process.
Most kids don’t realize they even received a shot!
- DentalVibe®
We also use DentalVibe®, a device that’s a game-changer for kids (and adults) who are nervous about injections. DentalVibe gently vibrates the area around the injection site, which helps divert pain signals. The vibrations trick the brain into focusing on the sensation of the vibration, reducing the discomfort from the needle itself. - Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
Our bright, cheerful office doesn’t feel super clinical, and we have plenty of distractions. Kids can watch their favourite TV show on a ceiling-mounted TV and cozy up with a pillow and blanket. Our goal is to make every visit feel like a fun, safe experience.
The Bottom Line:
The use of general anesthesia for kids’ dental work is becoming more common. Sometimes, it may truly be the best option, such as when a child requires extensive treatment but has specific needs that prevent them from safely receiving care while awake.
However, general anesthesia is typically a last resort. In most cases, local anesthesia and other sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can provide a comfortable and effective alternative.
If you have concerns about your child’s treatment plan, don’t be afraid to bring them up or to get a second opinion.
Ready to Give Your Child a Comfortable Dental Experience?
Whether your child is having a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, our Kitsilano kids’ dentists are here to ensure their experience is positive and gentle without the need for general anesthesia or sedation in most cases.
If you’re ever unsure about your child’s treatment plan, visit us for a second opinion. Our team is dedicated to providing the best care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Schedule your child’s dental appointment with us today!
