NPO Guidelines?
For adult patients no food for 8 hours prior to your scheduled procedure, including milk, orange juice and soft drinks. You may drink clear liquids such as water, apple juice, Gatorade and even eat clear Jello® for up to two hours prior to your scheduled check-in time.
For pediatric patients the guideline is no food for 6 hours prior to your schedule procedure including breast milk, regular milk, most fruit juices and soft drinks. Children may drink clear liquids as stated above up to two hours prior to your scheduled check-in time.
How long will I stay after my appointment?
Most patients are awake and ready to go home 15 to 30 minutes after the dentist has completed all dental work. It is important that a responsible adult accompany the patient throughout the day of the procedure. You should drink plenty of fluids and take pain medication as directed by your surgeon if needed. Typically, there are no limitations 24 hours after discharge from the office.
Is Anesthesia Necessary?
There are many who may benefit from sedation/general anesthesia. Those who gag easily, who experience discomfort while keeping their mouth open, or just general anxiety about dental treatment could all benefit. Sedation/general anesthesia will provide increased comfort, excellent working conditions for the dentist, and it provides the convenience of a single visit to the pediatric dental office.
Is it safe for my child to have anesthesia?
Your child’s safety is our ultimate goal. Our team has the most current, well-maintained, and organized anesthesia equipment in the industry, and we continue to study extensively on the most recent advancements and treatment options in the field. Rest assured that when using our service, your child will be provided a safe, controlled and hospital grade anesthetic experience in the comfort of your pediatric dental office.
QUESTIONS?
Is Anesthesia Safe?
Anesthesia complications are rare, especially for healthy patients without serious health problems. It is extremely important that you provide accurate health history information prior to your appointment so that the anesthesiologist is aware of special situations and can tailor the anesthesia delivery to minimize any complications. It is also important to carefully follow all pre-anesthesia instructions for yourself or your child.
What are the different types of anesthesia?
Many dental procedures can be done with local anesthesia alone, or sometimes in conjunction with sedative pills or laughing gas. However, certain complex cases or children with anxiety may require a more controlled and deeper level of sedation or general anesthesia. Sedation reduces consciousness, pain, and anxiety while maintaining patient cooperation. General anesthesia removes memory of the event and allows you to rest comfortably during the dental treatment. Dr. Chung is exceptionally well trained at providing all levels of anesthesia so that your dentist can fully focus on the dental procedure. This allows for a safer, more predictable, and comfortable experience for you.