My 3 year old is going to go under anasthesia?!
Question: I am scared to DEATH, and I dont think I should be. I would like the opinion of another anasthisologist, other than the one who will be doing my sons operation. My son is 3, and having dental work done at the dentist office. He will be under for about 1 hour. The dentist will be doing the surgery, while the anasthesiologist will only be monitoring my son. If my son should choke, even after fasting, (he will not have a tube in his throat)will he know, if the machine is not working correctly, will he be doing manual things to watch too. I am VERY paranoid, and would love some re-assurance, from a doctor or anasthesiologist only please, or some encouragement from other parents who have had this experience. thanks so much...)sorry if I mis-spelled anasthesiologist)
Answers: I am scared to DEATH, and I dont think I should be. I would like the opinion of another anasthisologist, other than the one who will be doing my sons operation. My son is 3, and having dental work done at the dentist office. He will be under for about 1 hour. The dentist will be doing the surgery, while the anasthesiologist will only be monitoring my son. If my son should choke, even after fasting, (he will not have a tube in his throat)will he know, if the machine is not working correctly, will he be doing manual things to watch too. I am VERY paranoid, and would love some re-assurance, from a doctor or anasthesiologist only please, or some encouragement from other parents who have had this experience. thanks so much...)sorry if I mis-spelled anasthesiologist)
It sounds like your pediatric dentist is planning on doing an open airway IV sedation. In other words, the anesthesiologist is not planning on intubating your child (putting a tube in his nose or throat), but your son will still be asleep. As long as your child is healthy and is a candidate for in-office sedation, then the procedure is safe. In fact, the procedure can be safer than oral sedation (where the child drinks a sedative, waits 15-45 min for the drug to take effect, and then is worked on). This is because there is an established IV. The anesthesiologist can quickly administer any reversal agents via the IV if an adverse reaction occurs. Your child will be placed on monitors while the dentist is working on your child. If he is not breathing, the monitor will alert the anesthesiologist immediately with a drop in oxygen saturation. I understand your concern and I would be nervous if my child was going through any type of anesthesia. But rest assured, it is a safe modality for treating your child. The great thing is the anesthesiologist is there monitoring your son's vitals the entire time. Good luck and I'm glad you are seeking treatment for your son's cavities!
It's probably just Twilight Sleep, with is very safe. My dental hygienist told me she has a 5 year old and is perfectly secure with twilight sleep for her child.
I think you might want to verify the situation though-- a regular dentist wouldn't do surgery but an oral surgeon has a totally different operating room set up.
I've had twilight sleep and it's really the best way to go.