One of the most common reasons that deter people, especially kids, from seeking medical attention is pain. Fear and anxiety are frequently associated with visiting the pediatric dentist.
That is where the role of anesthesia comes into play, as it is a must-have for all children’s dentists.
There are many types of anesthesia that are used on children, such as general anesthesia, local anesthesia, and sedation.
But finding the best pediatric dentist who is also an expert in pediatric general anesthesia is not as easy as it seems. That is why we’ll discuss all related topics and needed information surrounding the topic of general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry in Amman.
How do children perceive pain?
Children’s perception of pain is associated with their developmental age. Toddlers who are younger than 2 years old are not developed to distinguish between pain and pressure, which is why all dental work requires general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry.
Kids who are between the ages of 2 and 10 years old usually require general anesthesia as they cannot comprehend abstract ideas or respond to orders.
Children who are older than 10 years old are able to respond well to the pediatric dentist’s orders, which is why local anesthesia might be used instead of general.
Do not forget that other factors may play a role in the dentist’s choice of anesthesia, such as past experience and anxious kids.
General anesthesia for pediatric dentistry in Amman
Using general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry in Amman needs a professional pediatric dentist with years of experience on their hands.
If you’re looking for the best pediatric dentist near Amman, read more information on what it takes to be the best.
When should pediatric dentists use general anesthesia?
Here are the common indications for using general anesthesia:
- Infection of the mouth or the face
- When local anesthesia is contraindicated
- Young patients who cannot cooperate
- Patients with a disability or developmental issues
- The treatment or surgery demands long hours
- Severe anxiety disorder or stress
How to prepare the child for general anesthesia?
There are many important steps that need to happen before surgery day, such as:
- Do a thorough assessment of the child’s medical conditions
- Explain the procedure and all its steps to the parents
- Obtain informed consent from the child’s caregivers
- Give instructions on fasting and pain management
- All dental radiology and examination should be done
How to care for the child after the surgery?
All parents should be familiar with the following:
- What to expect after the surgery
- Side effects of the anesthetic agents
- How to perform pediatric resuscitation when necessary
- How to adjust the child’s routine to this new normal
- What and when to feed the child and how to change their diet
If your kid is suffering from cavities, learn more about how to stop tooth decay to better help your child.
What are the complications of general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry?
There are many side effects to going under general anesthesia, and the pediatric dentist should explain all these side effects to the parents thoroughly.
The most common complications of general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry in Amman are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Airway obstruction
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Cardiac arrest
All of the above-mentioned complications, whether they are minor or major, could be avoided with efficient planning and experience.
What can you do if the child is uncooperative?
Some children will not cooperate easily, this might be due to anxiety or fear. It always helps when you explain all aspects of the procedure in easy-to-understand language.
As a pediatric dentist, you should respect the child’s right to refuse. Maybe try to postpone the procedure until the kid is more comfortable.
Respecting the child’s wishes is the best option, as it helps in building a tight relationship with the child.
In Summary
Most kids experience a lot of fear and anxiety when it comes to dental work. Using anesthesia is a common practice in dental pediatrics, it has many types such as general anesthesia, sedation, and local anesthesia.
There are many steps involved in general anesthesia for pediatric dentistry in Amman, and pediatric dentists should take them into consideration.
The most important step is to explain the procedure thoroughly to the parents and the child, as it helps in erasing fear and stress.