Dental treatment in children under anesthesia

For many children, visiting a dentist is associated with fear and painful sensations. However, modern pediatric dentistry offers a solution to this problem – dental treatment under anesthesia. At the EMC clinic, we use medical sleep (sedation) to perform all the necessary procedures without stress for the child.

Indications for treatment under anesthesia

At the EMC Clinic, we offer children all the best and advanced achievements of European pediatric dentistry. Our doctors are very careful and attentive to patients, so as not to cause anxiety before the upcoming treatment. Many parents note that the second visit to the clinic takes place completely without fear, because children know that there will be no pain or discomfort. But even with a benevolent psychological attitude, in some cases dental treatment under anesthesia is indicated:

• The child has previously had an unpleasant experience of dental treatment and is now so afraid that the fear cannot be overcome by conventional methods.;

• It is necessary to perform complex and lengthy procedures that can cause stress or pain.;

• previously, there was an allergy to local anesthesia drugs;

• the presence of systemic diseases (for example, cardiovascular, nervous, or mental disorders) that can be aggravated by stress or pain;

• treatment of children with special needs if they have difficulty communicating with a dentist.

The decision to undergo anesthesia treatment is made individually and is always discussed with the parents. At the same time, all possible risks and advantages of this method are taken into account.

What is treated under sedation

Dental treatment under anesthesia in children can solve a wide range of dental problems. Firstly, it is caries and its complications, such as pulpitis and periodontitis. Under sedation, high-quality canal treatment and removal of deep cavities can be performed without pain and stress.

You can also perform dental extractions, bite correction, braces, and prosthetics in drug-induced sleep. In addition, the doctor can perform plastic surgery of the frenulum of the tongue, frenulum of the upper and lower lip.

Sedation can be used to perform any type of intervention that causes pain or fear. This is especially true for extensive dental work, when it will be difficult for any child to sit still.

What kind of anesthesia is used

In pediatric dentistry, a special drug is used that allows you to quickly and painlessly put the patient to sleep for the right time. At the EMC clinic, we use a medicine that has a pleasant smell and acts quickly – after the first breath, the child falls asleep. After the end of anesthesia, 15 minutes is enough for the patient to come to his senses.

Anesthesia treatment in pediatric dentistry takes place under the constant supervision of anesthesiologists. The child falls asleep and wakes up in the presence of the parents, which creates an additional sense of security and comfort.

How safe is anesthesia treatment

Dental treatment in a small patient under anesthesia is a safe and effective procedure that is carried out in strict accordance with medical standards. During sedation, the child is under the continuous supervision of an anesthesiologist who monitors his condition and is ready to respond immediately to any changes.

The drug used for drug-induced sleep has no harmful effect on the body, does not affect the functioning of important organs and systems, including the brain, heart and liver. This makes the procedure safe even for the youngest.

Before making a decision on the use of medical sleep, the child undergoes the necessary examinations: an ECG, a clinical blood test, etc. In addition, consultation with a pediatrician and an anesthesiologist, sometimes specialized specialists, is required. The pediatrician will give permission to use sedation only in the absence of contraindications.

How to prepare for treatment: recommendations for parents

Preparation for dental treatment under anesthesia begins at home. It is important to explain to the child that doctors want to make his teeth healthy. Try to convey the information as delicately as possible so as not to cause fear. Tell us what will happen in a language that the child can understand.

On the day of the procedure, it is recommended to come to the clinic in advance so that the child can get used to the new environment and calm down before starting treatment. The presence of parents helps to feel calmer and more confident. We understand this, so mom or dad are always present at the moment of falling asleep and waking up.  

After the procedure, be sure to monitor the child's condition. If you notice any unusual changes in his behavior or well-being, contact your doctor immediately.

List of sources and references

1. Mustafayeva Farizat Magometovna, Yerokova Bela Sultanovna, Tugusheva Diana Sabirjanovna JUSTIFICATION OF THE USE OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA IN DENTAL TREATMENT IN CHILDREN // Medicine. Sociology. Philosophy. Applied research. 2021. No. 3. cyberleninka.ru
2. Shugailov I.A., Agafonova A.V., Sergeeva Yulia Igorevna, Mirgazizov M.Z. METHOD OF INHALATION PREMEDICATION WITH XENON-OXYGEN MIXTURE IN PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE // Russian Dental Journal. 2019. №3-4. cyberleninka.ru 
3.  Kawai M, Kurata S, Sanuki T, Mishima G, Kiriishi K, Watanabe T, Ozaki-Honda Y, Yoshida M, Okayasu I, Ayuse T, Tanoue N, Ayuse T. The effect of midazolam administration for the prevention of emergence agitation in pediatric patients with extreme fear and non-cooperation undergoing dental treatment under sevoflurane anesthesia, a double-blind, randomized study. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019 May 17;13:1729-1737. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S198123. PMID: 31190751; PMCID: PMC6529617. 
4. Schulz-Weidner N, Schlenz MA, Jung LG, Uebereck CF, Nehls A, Krämer N. Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia in Pre-School Children and Schoolchildren with Special Healthcare Needs: A Comparative Retrospective Study. J Clin Med. 2022 May 6;11(9):2613. doi: 10.3390/jcm11092613. PMID: 35566744; PMCID: PMC9104367.