Serving Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist?
A pediatric anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has completed specialty training in anesthesiology and extra training in anesthesia for infants and children
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How safe is anesthesia for my child?
Modern anesthesia has never been safer. We spot potential problems from your child's past and current health history. The pediatric anesthesiologist reviews each child's history and may refer you to the hospital or surgery center for care if your child is in a higher risk category.
How will my child be monitored?
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Your child will be monitored with the same type of equipment and level of intensity that is used for general anesthesia in the hospital operating room.
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IV- The IV is usually placed in a hand or foot vein. Pulse oximeter sensor on the big toe monitors child's pulse and oxygen levels |
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Multiparameter monitor displays: EKG - the electrical activity of the heart (Electrocardiogram) |
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Blood pressure - automatically taken every 5 minutes. |
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ET C02 – Sampling tube placed under the nose to monitor the child’s nose to monitor the child's breathing (End tidal carbon dioxide) |
Should I tell my child about the shot?
Usually it’s best not to. Most children have difficulty coping with the anxiety this information provokes. In our experience, children who have been told ahead of time about the injection react more vigorously, cry longer and are more difficult to comfort. You can help by being relaxed and confident for your child. Let us explain the procedure to your child in simple non-threatening terms.
My child has a special medical problem; can he/she be sedated?
Children with medical problems such as congenital abnormalities, diabetes, seizures, severe asthma or severe behavioral disturbances may not be able to have IV sedation in the office. We may recommend that the child with special problems have their dental care at the hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia. Most medical insurance companies are now required to cover hospitalization or outpatient surgery services for pediatric dental patients. If you have individual questions contact our office.
Do you have a sedation/emergency cart?
We keep a sedation/emergency cart in each pediatric dental office. The cart serves as a base for anesthesia equipment and supplies and creates a standard workstation in each office. A consistent and efficient workspace for the pediatric anesthesiologist facilitates the provision of quality sedation care.
Why can't my child eat for 6 hours or drink for 3 hours before the procedure?
A child with a full stomach can regurgitate food or fluid into the throat and then into the lungs. Sedative medications can relax the normal protective reflexes. A period of fasting is necessary to make sure the stomach is empty. If you do not follow these instructions, your child’s IV sedation will be cancelled.
Why can’t I be with my child in the dental treatment room during the sedation?
There will be at least two caregivers including the pediatric anesthesiologist with your child during the entire procedure. It is stressful for parents to witness their own child’s medical or dental treatments. Parental presence creates an emotionally distracting atmosphere that inhibits open communication among your child’s care team. This can delay or inhibit actions necessary for your child’s safety or care. For this reason, it is our policy not to allow parents in the dental treatment room during the sedation.
What about insurance and insurance claims?
Your medical or dental insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. We are not a provider for any insurance company. You are the customer in this situation and your insurance company will be more responsive to your claims. We will help you receive the maximum benefits provided by your insurance company. Read more about insurance.Read more about insurance