Before the procedure

If your child’s dentist recommends general anesthesia, our office staff will call you to review your child’s current medical history, give you information and instructions about the procedure, discuss our fee, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

On the day of the procedure

After you arrive and check in to your child’s dental office, Dr. Lee will meet with you to perform a quick exam, review your child’s information and answer any additional questions you may have. Your child will have options on how the General Anesthesia is started. One way is to breathe an anesthetic gas. You will not be with your child for this option. If your child does not want to be separated from you, They will be given a sedative injection. The sedative works quickly and within a minute, your child will be relaxed and unaware of their surroundings. Your child may not remember the injection or the office visit.

Please do not tell your child about the needle. Most children have difficulty coping with the anxiety this information provokes. Often, children who have been told ahead of time about the injection react stronger, cry longer and are more difficult to comfort. Let Dr. Lee talk to your child about the injection. Once the sedative takes effect, Dr. Lee will take your child to the dental chair while you wait in the waiting area.

During the procedure

Dr. Lee will monitor your child during the procedure using state-of-the-art equipment. You child will be constantly monitored until they are returned to your care.

After the procedure ends

At the end of the dental treatment, the general anesthesia medication is turned off and your child will get ready to awaken. You can be with your child as they awaken. Post-anesthesia instructions will be given and you will stay in the office until your child opens their eyes. This usually takes between 30-60 minutes. We will let you know when it’s safe to go home; however, you are invited to stay until you feel ready to go.