Hospital Dentistry
If you have a child needing hospital dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, you probably have some questions first. What is hospital dentistry? When is hospital dentistry needed and what happens during a hospital dentistry visit, etc.? So let’s go over the most common questions when it comes to hospital dentistry and kids.
What Is Hospital Dentistry?
Hospital dentistry, in this case for kids, is when a pediatric dentist is experienced in restorative and orthodontic treatments. Typically, a pediatric dentist experienced in hospital dentistry will have privileges at a local hospital or surgery center. And generally, they will work with your child’s primary physician to provide other accompanying treatments such as general anesthesia services.
When Is Hospital Dentistry Needed?
Hospital dentistry is for kids who need long and extensive dental procedures that require general anesthesia. The anesthesia will enable the dentist to perform the necessary treatment while your child is sleeping. It will also help with pain management and muscle relaxation, making your child more comfortable.
Hospital dentistry is also sometimes used with kids that have behavioral issues when presented in a normal dental office setting.
What Happens During a Child’s Hospital Dentistry Visit?
During a hospital dentistry visit, your child will meet with the pediatric anesthesiologist before the procedure to help keep them calm and relaxed throughout the pre-surgery process. Once your child is put under, he or she will sleep through the entire procedure and won’t remember a thing.
Before your visit, you will be instructed to not allow your child to eat or drink anything after a specific time the night before the procedure so as not to interfere with the anesthesia. After the procedure has been completed, your child will only need to stay in the hospital until the anesthesia has worn off and the medical team clears him or her to go home. Of course, there are times when this could differ. Your pediatric dentist will talk with you about what’s best for your child’s specific medical situation.
How Can I Help Keep My Child from Fearing the Hospital Dental Procedure?
A hospital is a scary place for kids and adults, for that matter. However, you should be prepared to be at the hospital with your child prior to their dental procedure. Your presence will help keep them calm, reduce their anxiety, and make them feel safe and secure.
You should also bring a comfort item with them to the surgery. A stuffed animal, security blanket, or anything else that generally helps keep your child calm. Additionally, you should hold your child’s hand and gently talk to them as he or she is being put under anesthesia.
Prior to the general anesthesia, your child might be given a mild sedative to make them feel more relaxed. The anesthesiologist will go over this with you prior to the procedure after they have reviewed your child’s temperament and medical history. If the dentist and anesthesiologist don’t feel it’s necessary, the sedative won’t be given.
What’s Next?
If you want more information about hospital dentistry or if you need a dentist in Fort Collins, CO, please Contact Big Grins today. We have been practicing pediatric dentistry since 1998 and have lots of experience working with kids in a dental office and hospital dentistry setting. This means thinking like a kid, adding loads of patience, and a lot of repetition.
