General anesthesia instructions for dental treatment

General Anesthesia Instructions

Before treatment

It is important to follow these instructions carefully to keep your child safe.

• Eating and drinking
  • Do not let your child eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery, unless you were told otherwise. Talk with the anesthesia department if you have any questions or concerns. (414) 266-2762
• Change in health
  • Call if there are any changes in your child's health within 7 days before surgery.
• When to come to the hospital
  • The parent or guardian must come with your child to the hospital. You also must stay until the treatment is done.
  • Come to the hospital 1½ hours before the scheduled treatment time.
• Medicines
  • Talk to your child's doctor about giving daily maintenance medicines and over the counter medicines on the day of surgery.

After treatment

Your child's dentist will meet with you to discuss the treatment. You will be told what to expect. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the treatment and what to expect.

• Going home after surgery
  • You will get written directions. Be sure to follow them. Call the dentist if you have questions.
  • Your child must ride in a car seat or be buckled into a seat belt for the drive home. Do not use a bus to take your child home.
  • Watch your child closely at home for signs of problems. Watch for bleeding that will not stop, breathing problems or pain that cannot be controlled.
• Activities
  • Your child may be tired or seem sleepy after treatment. Have your child rest.
  • When sleeping, be sure your child sleeps on their side with their head to one side. This will protect the airway and prevent snoring.
  • Check often to make sure your child is sleeping and breathing normally.
• Diet
  • Start with clear fluids. This includes apple juice, broth, Jell-O® and Popsicles®. Give small amounts often to avoid an upset stomach.
  • When your child feels well after taking clear fluids, offer soft foods such as soup or pasta.
  • Do not give any milk or milk products for one day after treatment.
  • Slowly return to a normal diet over 1 to 2 days.
• Fever
  • Your child may have a temperature of up to 101° F (38° C) for the first day after treatment.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be used if needed.
  • Try to get your child to drink fluids to help relieve the fever.
• Vomiting
  • Mild nausea and vomiting may happen after treatment.
  • Wait ½ hour after any vomiting and then offer small amounts of clear fluids often.

Children’s Dental Center (414) 266- 2040

If the clinic is not open, call (414) 266-2000. Ask for the dentist on call.