Performing a simple examination requires a child to cooperate voluntarily on the dental chair. While our training in Behavior Guidance Techniques enables us to obtain the cooperation of extremely fearful and reluctant children, some children have treatment needs that far exceed their ability to cooperate. Providing complete dental treatment in one sitting under general anaesthesia is worthwhile to relieve these children of the pain and distress that infected teeth can cause. Dental treatment under general anaesthesia is the choice of treatment for many children with special needs.

Although we may wish to wait, once decay affects the tooth pulp, the dental disease will progress if not treated. This aggravates the condition further increasing infection, pain and suffering for the child. The long-term effect of ‘waiting’ on the child’s general health and well-being must, therefore, be considered.

Although there is some risk associated with general anaesthesia, it is safe when administered by an experienced anesthesiologist in an appropriately equipped facility. The child is monitored closely during the general anaesthesia procedure and our team is extremely conscientious about following all prescribed guidelines for safety. The competence and experience of our anesthesiologist is our biggest asset. 

As a parent, fear is natural when your child enters an operating room. Your decision that your child undergoes treatment under GA should be a well-informed decision. In many circumstances, it is the only method of providing comprehensive and effective full mouth treatment for your child. Your fear will turn to relief when your child leaves the operating room safely and with a healthy smile.

Though the word ‘hospital’ may sound scary, it is the safest environment to perform a general anaesthesia procedure in. The most well equipped dental clinic cannot provide the backup that a hospital can. In the best interests of your child, do not opt for treatment under intravenous deep sedation or general anaesthesia in a dental clinic.

We perform general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation accompanied by a ‘throat pack’ that protects the airway (breathing passage) preventing water from entering the breathing passage and lungs. This is the safest form of general anaesthesia for dental treatment.

The aim is to provide comprehensive full mouth treatment in a single sitting under general anesthesia. The treatment plan will depend on the treatment that every tooth requires. This could range from simple restorations (fillings) in some teeth to more complex treatment modalities in others, such as root canal treatment, single sitting pediatric crowns (caps), extractions and space maintainers, front tooth Zirconia Crowns etc.

The duration of treatment will depend on the nature and amount of dental treatment required. On average, treatment would take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours. Depending on the severity of the disease more time may be required to complete treatment. You will arrive at the hospital on the morning of the surgery and be discharged by evening.

During treatment your child will receive fluids to keep them well hydrated. We will also prescribe simple pain medications that will take care of any discomfort your child may feel after treatment. Your child may experience any of the following after treatment - Odd/ new feeling in the mouth (especially if there are caps); Irritability and crankiness; Hoarseness of voice; Slight pain while swallowing. Some children may prefer a liquid and semisolid diet on the day of the surgery. Most children are comfortable by evening. They will be playful and recover well by the next day.