The following information is critical for the safety of your child after general anesthesia.

 

1. Do not leave your child unattended for 6 to 8 hours after they go home.
   
   The anesthesia medications your child received today may continue to have lasting effects THAT MAY VARY for this time period. Even though your child was safe to discharge/leave from the dental office, occasionally factors such as food intake, changes in environmental stimulation, pain, and other factors may cause your child to be somewhat sleepy, uncoordinated, or have other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sore throat, or nose bleeds. If your child falls asleep, it is to check on your child periodically (every 15 minutes). It is normal for a child to want to rest for the remainder of the day, however, it is important to be extra attentive that your child’s head position facilitates ease of breathing. This means your child’s chin should not be dropped down to the chest, as this may obstruct the airway (causing them to snore loudly or not be able to breath at all).
    

2. No sports on day after anesthesia.  Do not allow your child to participate in physically demanding activities (sports, biking, scootering, running, swimming, etc.). Even though your child may appear to be normal, fully awake, and alert and requesting to participate in their normal activities, they may still have decreased coordination and the ability to react and respond during physical activity may continue to be impaired and lead to unintended injuries. Usually they can return to school and sports the day following their procedure if they have returned to normal alertness and coordination.
    

3. Bland foods first It is recommended that clear liquids (for example: water, apple juice, Pedialyte, Gatorade) are given or offered as soon as possible as your child requests. Other liquids and food should be added as your child tolerates , and especially encourage fluids throughout the day. Good foods to start with are juice, apple-sauce, Gatorade, popsicles, broth based soups (for example, chicken noodle soup) mashed potatoes, and rice are excellent.  High fat/protein foods like pizza, chicken nuggets, etc. have a higher risk of causing nausea or vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common after anesthesia. This can be worse if food or liquids are added too fast or too much. If vomiting occurs, your child should rest, and resume with clear liquids slowly. Sometimes just one ounce of clear liquid every 15 minutes is tolerated without causing vomiting.  If your child does not stop vomiting (which is very uncommon) they can become dehydrated. Please call Dr. Seiden, your pediatrician, or go to the Emergency Room if you are worried about this.  If your child is not urinating (peeing) or their urine is very dark yellow, this is a sign of dehydration and requires immediate attention.
    

4. Pain control strategies will be discussed prior to discharge by Dr. Seiden and/or your dentist. It is important to follow these instructions carefully. Typically, over the counter acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (also known as Motrin, Advil) are okay to consume as directed by the manufacturer’s and per your dentist’s recommendations. It is important not to exceed maximum weight based dose of 5 doses of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in a 24 hour period, and 4 doses of ibuprofen in a 24 hour period. During your child's procedure they often receive a medication called Toradol (which is in the same family of drugs as ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin) and if they do they cannot have ibuprofen until 6 hours after the Toradol dose. Dr. Seiden will provide this information.
   
   Your dentist may make specific pain control recommendations for your child's post procedure pain, but generally alternating doses of children's Tylenol (also known as acetaminophen) or children's ibuprofen (also known as Advil or Motrin) are effective.
   
   Some children will also receive a local anesthetic that numbs their mouth.If your child’s mouth is still numb from the local anesthetic you should not give hot beverages or hard food. Similarly, watch for lip/cheek/tongue biting or picking around the mouth. The patient may not feel that s/he is traumatizing the tissues of the mouth and an ulcer could develop. The numbness generally lasts 3-4 hours.
    

Dr. Seiden’s direct phone number is 916-235-3480. If he cannot be reached, please call your primary care doctor, or if an emergency call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

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URGENT AND EMERGENCY POST-PROCEDURE REACTIONS

 

Please call Dr. Seiden if any of the following occur:

• Your child still appears sleepy and lethargic and 'not normal self' after 6 hours from leaving the dentist.

• Continued nausea or vomiting (vomiting once or twice is normal, but continued vomiting is not normal)

• Your child begins to behave strangely.

• There is continued, excessive bleeding, especially from the nose.

• Your child develops a high fever (above 101.5 degrees F) or rash

• Your child continues to experience pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
   

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY if you observe the following:

• Your child is unresponsive – unable to be awakened or will not follow commands.

• Your child has difficulty breathing.

• Your child has a seizure.

• IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMMEADIATE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD