Patients
Overview of anesthesia
At SmileMD, we ensure that your child’s dental procedures are as comfortable and stress-free as possible through safe and effective anesthesia. Our team of highly trained professionals uses anesthesia to help manage pain and anxiety, allowing your child to receive the necessary dental care in a calm and relaxed state. With SmileMD, you can trust that your child is in caring and capable hands.
Questions to ask your dentist
At SmileMD, ensuring the safety and comfort of our patients is our top priority. When considering surgery involving sedation, it is crucial for patients and their families to be well-informed about the procedure and the level of care they will receive. To assist in this process, we recommend asking your provider specific questions to better understand the protocols and safety measures in place. These questions are designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident about the care you or your loved one will receive.
Question: Will there be a dedicated anesthesiologist in the room to monitor your vital signs?
Why Ask?
It’s important to ensure that a dedicated professional is present to administer and monitor sedation, as this is an industry best practice for safety. Ideally, this should be a board-certified anesthesiologist, or at the very least, a team supervised by one. This level of oversight significantly enhances the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Question: Will they use special equipment to monitor my breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sedation?
Why Ask?
These tools, including capnography for air movement, EKG for heart rate, and pulse oximetry for oxygen levels, are essential for safe sedation. They help ensure your safety throughout the procedure by providing continuous monitoring of vital signs.
FAQ
Why has my dentist recommended anesthesia for my child?
Answer: Your dentist may recommend anesthesia to ensure your child is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure, especially for longer or more complex treatments. It helps manage anxiety and allows the dentist to work more effectively.
What is anesthesia and how does it work?
Answer: Anesthesia is a way to control pain during surgery by using medicines to make you unconscious or numb. It ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Will there be a separate person, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, in the room to monitor my vital signs?
Answer: Yes, a dedicated professional will be there to monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
Will they use special equipment to monitor my breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sedation?
Answer: Yes, they will use tools like capnography, EKG, and pulse oximetry to continuously monitor your vital signs, ensuring your safety.
Is anesthesia safe for children?
Answer: Yes, anesthesia is very safe for children, especially when administered by trained professionals. Serious risks are very low.
What should I expect on the day of the procedure?
Answer: You will be greeted by the team, and they will check your child’s vital signs and review their medical history. The anesthesiologist will administer the sedation, and your child will be closely monitored throughout the procedure.
Can I stay with my child during the procedure?
Answer: Usually, parents are asked to wait in the waiting area to ensure the medical team can focus entirely on the patient’s care.
What happens after the procedure?
Answer: After the procedure, your child will be monitored until they wake up from the anesthesia. You will be given instructions for care at home and what to watch for as your child recovers.
When can my child eat and drink again after anesthesia?
Answer: Your child can start with clear liquids once they are fully awake and then move to soft, light foods as recommended by the medical team.
Are there any activities my child should avoid after anesthesia?
Answer: Your child should rest and avoid activities that require coordination or balance, such as swimming or biking, for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Testimonials
Contact
SmileMD, Inc.
510 E Wilson Bridge Rd
Worthington, OH 43085
877-789-8583