What to expect:
A guide for patients
We understand that you may have some questions about anesthesia for yourself or your child. Anesthesia provided to patients in an office setting has an excellent safety record. With over twenty years of combined experience you can have confidence that our team will continue to provide you and your loved ones the same level of excellent care.
PREPARATIONS
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For the upcoming appointment, it's crucial not to consume any food or beverages from midnight the night before or at least eight hours prior
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If the patient is on medication, they may need to continue with some while refraining from others. It's imperative to follow the guidance provided by the anesthesiologist and managing physician
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To optimize the anesthesia experience, it's advised to refrain from smoking at least one day before the procedure. If a nicotine patch is in use, it should be discontinued at least 24 hours before the scheduled anesthesia
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Having a family member or trusted friend to escort the patient and take responsibility for driving them back home after the procedure is strongly recommended
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On the day of the procedure, it's advisable not to plan any activities for the remainder of the day
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHILDREN
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Children scheduled for anesthesia are typically booked for morning appointments due to fasting requirements. On the morning of the appointment, the child should wake up, refrain from eating or drinking, and be driven to their appointment in comfortable clothing, such as pajamas
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Upon arrival at the office, the child will undergo an assessment to ensure fitness for anesthesia, checking for any signs of illness like a cold, flu, vomiting, diarrhea, or sore throat. If the child is healthy, sedation will follow
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Once sedated, the child will be taken to the treatment room and continuously monitored for safety. Parents may accompany a child receiving general anesthesia until they fall asleep, after which parents are requested to leave the room
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During the anesthesia, an intravenous catheter (IV) will be placed for rehydration and efficient medication delivery. An endotracheal tube will be inserted in the child's nose to assist with breathing, and all monitoring devices, IVs, and tubes will remain in place for the duration of the treatment
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After completing dental treatment, the endotracheal tube is removed, and the child is transferred to a recovery room, where they will remain for 15-20 minutes or until they respond appropriately
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Care instructions for the child, including the recommendation of having two adults present during the drive home for close supervision, will be provided. The child may feel hungry following anesthesia, and the recovery room nurse will likely suggest suitable meal options
SIDE EFFECTS
*Anesthetic drugs may lead to occasional after-effects, such as nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and a temporary loss of normal body coordination.
These effects typically dissipate within twenty-four hours after discharge. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated and follow pain medication instructions as directed by their dentist.
HELPFUL TIPS
*Patients should avoid foods and drinks that may cause upset stomach or gas, including coffee, milk, cauliflower, chocolate, fried foods, and baked beans.
Excessive sugar intake can distend the stomach, and carbonated drinks should also be avoided due to potential discomfort.
*To ensure patient safety, it's crucial to inform the dentist about all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, being taken, as certain drugs may interact with local anesthetic solutions.
Frequently asked questions
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How does Texas Anesthesia Care treat patients?Texas Anesthesia Care is a mobile anesthesia service providing anesthesia and sedation to patients of dental professionals. The type of anesthesia provided to the patient depends on the type of procedure, the preferences of the patient, and the needs of the dentist. Typically, we provide general anesthesia (meaning the patients are completely asleep with an airway protection device) for smaller children and special needs patients. For patients who don't want to be completely asleep, we offer other types of sedation including conscious "twilight" and IV sedation.
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How is anesthesia administered?For those receiving general anesthesia (completely asleep), the patients will have all the standard American Society of Anesthesiology monitors placed. After verifying that the patient is ready for anesthesia, special medicine will be given, either through an IV or a mask. During the entire length of the procedure, the anesthesiologist will be with the patient, making sure the patient is comfortable. When the treatment is completed, the anesthesia will be discontinued and the patient will be allowed to wake up on their own.
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Is Anesthesia Safe?Anesthesia is administered by a licensed Texas Anesthesia Care anesthesiologist, who was trained in a hospital-based anesthesiology residency program. Medications used are all state-of-the-art, considered safe, and used as intended. The anesthesiologist, through his clinical skills and modern electronic equipment, monitors your vital signs (pulse, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rhythm) and assures they are maintained normally throughout your procedure.
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How do the doctors of Texas Anesthesia Care treat children?Texas Anesthesia Care has invested considerable resources into being able to provide sedation and anesthesia for people of all ages and abilities. For children, Texas Anesthesia Care will bring a hospital caliber anesthesia machine to the office, this will allow the patients to fall asleep using a mask (no needles!). The parents of the patient will be allowed to be with the patient until the patient falls asleep and will be present while the patient wakes up. This helps the patients awake comfortably in the presence of their parents and lowers the chance of separation anxiety.
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Is Anesthesia safe in the dental office? What about small children?Though it is important to understand that all forms of sedation and anesthesia carry some risk, dental anesthesiologists have a commendable safety record while providing care in private dental offices. Dentist Anesthesiologists are the most highly trained anesthesia providers in the field of dentistry, completing at least two years of a hospital based anesthesiology residency. They are trained to provide anesthesia in both the hospital and dental office settings. All the medications used are state of the art, considered safe, and used as intended. To ensure the safety of the procedure, it is very important that the patient is completely honest about their medical history and that they refrain from eating or drinking the morning of the appointment.
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What are the potential complications, and side effects of General Anesthesia and sedation?One of the most common side effects of general anesthesia and sedation is nausea and vomiting. If you have experienced nausea after anesthesia for a previous surgery, or if you have motion sickness, you are susceptible to nausea following anesthesia and we encourage you to let us know. Irritation at the site of the IV is a rare but potential complication for those who receive an IV for their treatment. Most people wake up 15 to 30 minutes after anesthesia has been stopped. However, because everybody has a different response to medications, a delayed recovery may happen, especially after extended procedures. Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing) is a very rare complication but may occur after anesthesia. On rare occasions, this may require that your breathing is assisted through a breathing machine or that you are given medications to help you breathe better. Allergic reactions are rare, but are typically managed with the use of emergency medications to reverse the signs and symptoms of the reaction. A child may urinate during or after an extended procedure. Please have young children wear diapers or training pants, and bring an extra change of clothes for older children.
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Why does myself or my child have to go without food and water before the procedure?One of the most serious complications with general anesthesia happens when a patient does not follow the food and water restrictions as outlined. Under anesthesia, certain muscles relax allowing stomach contents to come back up the esophagus and into the lungs. When food or water is inhaled into the lungs, the patient is unable to breathe and this requires extensive treatment in a hospital with advanced medications and possibly surgical procedures. Please follow the food and water restrictions as outlined. Unless told otherwise, assume that all eating and drinking is stopped the midnight before your appointment. If your child is receiving general anesthesia make sure the child remains under your supervision for the entire morning leading up to the appointment. Children who are allowed to go to school or daycare programs on the day of their appointment will be re-scheduled.
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Will dental insurance cover the cost of the anesthesia?The doctors of Texas Anesthesia Care participate with very few private insurance programs. Following the completion of your treatment under anesthesia, Texas Anesthesia Care will provide you a document stating the treatment completed with the corresponding medical codes. This document may be submitted from you to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.