HOSPITAL BASED DENTISTRY

Hospital Based Dentistry is a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during dental treatment. It is reserved for children (and adults) with extensive dental needs that are extremely uncooperative, fearful or anxious. They are also reserved for children who are very young and therefore not in an age group to understand how to cope with the dental procedures. General Anesthesia also can be helpful for children with special healthcare needs.

Is GA Safe?

General Anesthesia is predictably safe as long as proper pre-anesthetic protocol is followed. Before we schedule procedures under GA, a Pediatrician assesses the child and performs the necessary blood tests and radiographs that are necessary before he gives a clearance. Following that an assessment with the anesthetist is made. Only after the Pediatrician and the Anesthetist give a clearance for the procedure, the patient is posted for the surgery.

What is Pre-anesthetic testing?

Pre-Anesthetic Testing, also known as Surgical Profile is a battery of tests and examinations that are done prior to General Anesthesia to ensure that the procedure is carried out relatively safely and without any untoward incidents. A detailed medical history helps to suggest the type of tests performed. Your doctor will discuss this with you if GA is being planned to deliver Dental Care for your child.

Who can benefit from GA procedure?

• Patients who are extremely anxious
• Extremely young patients (usually less than 3 years of age) requiring invasive procedures
• Patients requiring multiple dental procedures
• Patients who have special healthcare needs (developmental delays, intellectually challenged patients, medically compromised individuals etc)

What to expect out of General Anesthetic Procedure?

The procedure is performed with a team of specialists in a hospital setting. The team involves Anesthetists, Pediatricians, Nurses and Technicians besides the dental team. After all the preanesthetic testing and clearance from the medical team, the procedure is schedules. An evening prior to the day of the procedure, the child is admitted to the hospital. After the procedure, the child is discharged when stable, alert and all the effects of the anesthetic medication have dissipated.

A review is usually done after one week to discuss preventive home care and diet. Routine follow-ups are done based on individual risk profile and treatment needs.