What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery
When you arrive at the dental office for your appointment, your anesthesiologist will thoroughly review your child’s health history and will perform a physical exam (listening to heart and lungs, examining airway, etc.) Before beginning the procedure, we will build a rapport with your child and make sure he/she is as comfortable as possible. We will make sure all your questions are fully answered prior to proceeding.
One parent may accompany your child into the operative suite. Your anesthesiologist will have thoroughly reviewed what to expect at induction of anesthesia. Once your child is asleep, you will be asked to wait in the waiting room until the end of the procedure. This is for the safety and wellbeing of your child. You will be present when your child wakes up from their procedure.
After your child is transferred to recovery, they will continue to be monitored and you will be escorted to the recovery room by dental office staff. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the procedure, review post-operative instructions and expectations, and answer all questions you may have regarding your child’s treatment. Your child will continue to be drowsy and sleepy throughout the immediate post-op recovery phase. Some children wake up very calm and happy while others wake up very emotional and unhappy. Please be prepared for a full range of emotion during emergence.
Your child will be given either a popsicle or juice box and will be allowed to go home once they are able to answer questions and follow commands. Your anesthesiologist will send you home with post-operative instructions as well as their cell phone number in case you need anything in the recovery period at home.
We look forward to meeting you on your day of surgery and please remember the following:
- Follow the instructions given to you for eating and drinking based on your child’s appointment time
- Dress your child in loose, comfortable, open-toed clothes
- Bring a warm blanket and stuffy/toy/stuffed animal to keep your child comfortable before and after the procedure
Thank you and we will see you soon!