Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)

Dental Anesthesia

What are the different types of Dental Anesthesia?

  • Local anesthesia
  • General anesthesia
  • Conscious sedation

Do most dental procedures require Anesthesia?

NO, only FEW dental procedures require anaesthesia. Most commonly extraction of teeth and treatment of dental infections e.g. Root Canal Treatment and drainage of pus require local anaethesia. Generally most patients are very comfortable with local anesthesia and these procedures can be carried out successfully.

But is it necessary to subject even children to anesthesia?

Yes! It is important to reduce discomfort and pain to a minimum. If your child experiences pain during a dental procedure, he will not be a good dental patient in future. Local anesthesia can be safely administered even in a very young child. It must be mentioned that General Anaesthesia is generally not recommended for children, unless for major surgical procedures like injuries, fractures etc.
If you are taking your child for dental treatment under local anesthesia, be sure to give your dentist positive history of

  • Jaundice & malaria in last 3 months
  • Any liver disease
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Any other treatment going on
  • Systemic disorders

Lately we have been hearing a lot about CONSCIOUS SEDATION. What is it?

This concept in pediatric dentistry will be new to most parents.
Conscious sedation is a means to control an unmanageable child where all other means of restraint have failed. Your dentist will ask for your written consent before he/she attempts conscious sedation. You should understand the procedure completely before giving one.

Things You Need to Know

  • It is completely safe.
  • Minimal side effects
  • There are qualified anesthesiologists for this procedure. You dentist will call a specialist for this.
  • It is not a routine procedure but is extremely useful in
    Fearful, uncontrollable children.
  • In lengthy complicated procedures to….
  • To control inappropriate behavior, which interferes with dental treatment.
  • To provide comfortable and efficient dental treatment, without compromising on quality.

But what exactly is done here? How is it beneficial for my child?

The following guidelines are to be observed

Intravenous route of administration is preferred over oral route. Children are given certain drugs that minimally depress the level of consciousness. Even though your child is sedated (put to sleep with drugs)

  • He is not unconscious
  • His reflexes (ability to react) are absolutely normal
  • His breathing is continuous, spontaneous and unobstructed
  • He can respond to all kinds of physical stimuli and verbal commands
  • Conscious sedation is completely reversible

If your child is to be given conscious sedation

  • Take care to provide the anesthesiologist with accurate medical history and information of drug allergy if any.
  • Learn about the side effects
  • Rigidly, follow the list of instructions given by the anesthesiologist
  • Ensure that it is carried out in a hospital where all necessary equipment is available.