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While many children, adolescents and adults can have their dental cleanings, cavities filled and extractions completed in a dental office, a small portion of each of these groups cannot tolerate treatment in the clinic. This can be due to several reasons. A young child, under the age of four, doesn't understand the concept of time or consequences. Thus, having them sit still for an extended period of time isn't generally something they can tolerate repeatedly. In addition to the idea of time, toddlers are not capable of understanding the complex ideas involved in fixing cavities and why they have to sit still or be numb. The concept of "numb" is so foreign to many children that it creates a barrier for the completion of treatment in office safely. Similarly, patients with developmental delays can present to the office without the ability to cooperate be that as simple as sitting in a dental chair.
In these occassions, on a case by case basis, we will recommend that the dental treatment be completed at one single visit while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. This is not a casual recommendation, but one provided with a consideration for the safety and well-being of the patient. A consultation with the pediatrician or familiy physician is scheduled to assess the health and well-being of the patient and their ability to tolerate general anesthesia. Once the physician has approved the procedure, an appointment is scheduled at the St. Charles Surgery Center.
Treatment under general anesthesia in a hospital means that the patient is completely asleep while their dental work is being done. A specialized medical doctor or anesthesiologist is maintaining the asleep state, while Dr. Armstrong or Dr. Quas completes the necessary dental treatment. In this environment the anesthesiologist, along with a surgery nurse are monitoring the heart, the breathing patterns and quality of oxygen exchange, the blood pressure and temperature of the patient. The smallest change in any function, that would never be detected in a dental office or at home, is not only detected but corrected when appropriate. It is knowing that the patients have the absolute highest level of care and medical attention while under general anesthesia that allows us at Bluefish Dental to provide this alternative for dental treatment.
This type of treatment is completed at the St. Charles surgery center in an outpatient setting. Prior to the hospital visit many indepth consultations are completed to provide a thorough understanding of this process.
More information on General Anesthesia is available through the following link:
Preparing for surgery at St. Charles Medical Center.
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