Do you have a child who is experiencing tooth pain? This could be a sign of a greater issue. Sometimes, a single bothersome tooth can indicate other cavities that need attention. However, getting extensive dental work done is easier said than done – especially for younger children under the age of six. The good news is that children’s dental treatment is available with general anesthesia to make the whole process more comfortable. Continue reading to learn more!
Is General Anesthesia Right for My Child’s Dental Treatment?
Getting dental treatment can be a stressor for anyone – but especially younger children. It can be scary to be in a new place, and sitting still doesn’t come easy for everyone. Kids between the ages of 2 and 7 often benefit from dental anesthesia if they are scared, have difficulty staying still, or need extensive dental work. Children with special needs often benefit from general anesthesia as well. This includes kids with autism, cerebral palsy, severe anxiety, or multiple cavities.
What Are the Benefits of General Anesthesia for Children?
Often times, kids need extensive dental work, but they struggle to handle the process while they are awake. Here are some benefits of using general anesthesia for children’s dental treatments.
Manages Severe Anxiety
When children have severe dental anxiety, they can experience a variety of symptoms. This can be anything from a racing heart and nausea to a full-blown panic attack. General anesthesia can help to make the process more peaceful. After falling asleep, they wake up with all of their dental work done and no unpleasant memories!
Extensive Dental Work
If your child has multiple cavities, broken teeth, or severe decay, it can take several long appointments. General anesthesia means that their dentist can get more single done in a shorter period of time – often in the same visit. This keeps your child from having to ensure several long appointments where they need to sit still for several hours. They just wake up with a repaired smile.
Managing Special Needs
Children who have special needs face unique challenges at the dental office. For example, a child who has autism might be overwhelmed by the sounds of dental tools and bright lights. Children with cerebral palsy may not be able to control their movements. Children with other disabilities may not understand what’s going on. General anesthesia can make dental treatment safer and more comfortable for children with special needs.
If your child needs essential dental work, general anesthesia may be the solution you’ve been hoping for. Your child deserves a healthy smile without all of the stress.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson earned his dental doctorate from Creighton University. A father of four children himself, he loves working with children and keeping their growing smiles healthy! To learn more about general anesthesia or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit his website or call (307) 855-1745.