How common is it for a 2 1/2 year old to be put to sleep for dental work?

My 2 1/2 yr old recently went to the dentist because he had visible cavities on his front teeth. Needless to say for his age he did not sit still for any kind of cleaning or xrays. They want to have him come in and go under to do everything at once, cleaning, xrays....and posible capping if the cavities are bad enough. I have a exteme fear of being put under. I was visibly upset when they told me this. The office is high recommended and associated with our childrens hospital in phila. But I cant help to worry that his age is so young for routine work. And my fear of him not awakening. I heard of a case of a child that went in for routine dental work, and died. Please anyone with similar cases with advice, or just a calming word, respond. And I have done enough blaming of myself for letting his teeth get this way (sippy cups).....so I can do without any blame. Thank you.

How common is it for a 2 1/2 year old to be put to sleep for dental work?
I had the same experience with my son, same age, similar problem. I trusted his dentist and the work was done under a general anesthetic. I've never regretted my choice. The work had to be done, and I am confident that it would have been seriosusly traumatic to have tried to do all of the work with him awake.





As you know, the most dangerous part of any surgery is the anesthetic, so I'll offer a piece of advice,which was given to me; make sure you have a pediatric anesthesiologist put him to sleep.





Most dentists have relationships with anesthesiologist they like to work with, and presumably a kids' dentist will have a kids' anesthesiologist. So it may be just a question of asking, and making your wishes known to the dentist.





In my case I learned that often in hospitals, the anesthesiologists are on a master calendar for the operating room, etc., in which case you get whomever is up next. In our case I called the operating room and talked with the head nurse in the OR. She was great and she switched the schedule to get a pedi. anesth. for my son.





Not only is a pedi. anesth. trained for the special dosage, etc. needs of children, but they are much better at being reassuring, etc. My son's used a puppet to put the mask on him, spoke to him gently, etc..





I have to say that it was uncomfortable to get involved in what are usually behind-the-scenes relationships between dentist/doctors, Operating Rooms, and anesthesiologists, but I believed it was important. Plus, I figured, my son is equally the customer of one as the other; both of their bills were going to come to me...





One advantage to going ahead with this now is they have the opportunity to preserve space needed for the adult teeth to come in, which avoids problems later on.





Oh yeah, one more thing. The minute your son's adult teeth begin to come in, get them sealed! My son has all of his permanent teeth now. They're healthy, perfectly alligned, and cavity free.





Good Luck!
Reply:I wouldnt know
Reply:small babies have been put to sleep to do surgeries=your child should be okay having gas to have his teeth cleaned and fixed =he will be in a fog,not right out and won,t be able to resist as the gas totally relaxes the person
Reply:They can just numb the area, however... if he is not cooperating it makes it very difficult for the dentist as well as your child. Many children are sedated while dental work is performed, and it isnt really much to worry about. They do not sedate heavily and it will be MUCH easier on all of you. I am a dental assistant and a mother so i do see it from both points. I would trust the dentist however, they are trained professionals, and in a rare case that something does happen... they know what to do.. its very routine. Dont worry and relax, it will be less stressful on u if he is asleep than awake and crying and fighting. Good Luck!
Reply:no, it is not common, but it is done. they won't remember anything. pedodontists (a specialists who work with children only) sometimes have to put kids under for extensive dental work. sometimes they can use nitrous oxide. most kids on nitrous just giggle and sometimes sleep. they will sit down with you and talk you right thru it.


don't worry, really.
Reply:a bit uncommon
Reply:I used to work in an office that did this kind of work and I highly reccomend it if the child isn't cooperative. This way, the child will have no bad memories of the dentist and will go on to have a healthy, happy experience with dental professionals. I heard many times from parents afterwards, how relieved they were to have gone ahead with this because the child has no memory of it. He'll do fine and you'll be happy that it' done.