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Q1 What is Sedation and Anaesthesia?
During Dental and oral surgical procedures local anesthesia (aka “freezing, numbing juice, or Novocain) is administered to block sensations. However, the anxiety that some people have can be controlled by administering sedative drugs, such as Valium type medications. A sedated patient may remember the procedures, but will be more relaxed. Additional medications such as agents similar to propofol are sometimes used to cause anaesthesia, which places the patient more deeply asleep.
Q2 How is the Medication administered?
The sedative and anaesthetic medications are typically given intravenously (IV). Since the effects are so rapid by this means of administration, trained health care provider can precisely give the correct amounts of the medications to make you relaxed and comfortable. In addition, if more medications are needed during the procedure, the IV allows easy administration of additional medications. For the very young patient, the anesthetic might be given through a special face mask. To reduce the anxiety, we may give your child some medicine to swallow before giving the anaesthetic. This will help calm your child down.
Q3 How am I monitored during the Procedure?
Depending on the depth of the sedation and anaesthetic being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors are used. These vary from automatic blood pressure cuffs, to the use of pulse oximeters which through a light sensor measure the oxygen concentration in your blood. Sometimes and EKG may be sued as well. Our dental anaesthesia team will always be with you and closely observing you throughout your treatment.
Q4 Is Anaesthesia safe?
The use of sedation and anaesthesia in dentistry has a commendable record of safety. This is due to the advanced training Dr Wong has and her commitment to your overall health. It is important to advise us of ALL medications that you take as well as any changes in your health since your last visit.
In Ontario, a special permit is required to administer intravenous medications and sleep dentistry. In order to quality our team of professional had to provide evidence of advanced training in anaesthesia and a site visit by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario is required. The ability to handle emergency situations as well as having specific emergency medications and equipment is also mandatory.
Q5 When should you call our clinic?
To reduce the chance of any problems, you/your child needs to be as healthy as possible before getting an anaesthetic. If you/your child has any of these problems the day before or on the day of the treatment appointment, call us right the way: a fever, wheezing, Cough, very funny nose, feeling unwell.
Q6 Are there any possible side effects from an anaesthetic?
Yes. Each treatment and procedure may have side effects, or problems, including anaesthetics. For example, patient may feel dizzy, grumpy, have a sore throat and cough, or feel sick to the stomach. These types of side effects are usually minor.
Postoperatively, patient may throw up after his/her treatment. If this happens, liquid and medicine might be given prior to discharge from our clinic.
There is a very, very small chance (one in 3 million) that patient may have a serious problem during or after an anaesthetic, which may include an allergic reaction to a drug, brain injury, or a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest means that the heart has stopped beating. Our dental anaesthesia team will watch you/your child very closely and will be ready to deal with these problems. If a serious problem occur during or after the anaesthetic, a hospital transfer and monitor will be necessary.
DENTAL CAVITY IS PREVENTABLE:
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Keep the white/yellow plaque off the teeth and gums as much as possible (i.e. keep the “sugar bugs” away) by effective brushing at least twice a day. Use toothpaste with fluoride in small amount. Use a soft bristle brush. For young infant, rubbing the gums with a clean cloth by mother’s finger is sufficient and often a fun bonding activity. |
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Floss once a day – floss help remove sticky plaques that are not reachable by toothbrush, preventing caries from occurring in between teeth that are touching each other
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Don’t neglect the care of the baby teeth – baby teeth are important in guiding permanent teeth into place! If the back baby teeth are lost early, the permanent teeth may be out of position when they come in, contributing to food trap and increase risk of cavity formation on top of other consequences. |
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Do you know -- It is not only what one eat and drink, but how often they eat and drink that helps cavities form.
Patient who snack or drink often are bathing their teeth in acid most of the day! As well, very little saliva flows into the mouth. The acid (product of bacterial metabolism with sugary food) remains on the teeth longer and erode teeth structure away. Eat full healthy meals, limit snacking, especially food that are sticky, gluey or mushy (e.g. Raisin or dried fruits, toffee, licorice, gummy bear etc.). This is the same reason why one MUST NOT allow baby or children to go to bed with a bottle of milk or juice --- bathing young teeth with any sugary liquid over-night is the worse combination for the developing dentition! |
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Remember – a dental filling, or restoration, is not a cure to dental infection. If improper oral hygiene or diet habit is not modified, dental caries will re-occur around the fillings! |
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Visit your family dentist – take your child to a dentist preferably by age 1. This visit provides new parents information about oral hygiene, feeding and diet choice. Have professional dental checkup and cleaning on a regular basis to supplement home hygiene practice. |
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