Hospital Dentistry & Outpatient General Anesthesia in
For some children—including those who are very young, highly apprehensive, or have complex special needs—traditional office-based sedation may not be the most effective option. In these cases, Dr. Azadpur utilizes her surgical privileges at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to provide dental care under general anesthesia.
What to Expect
General anesthesia renders your child completely asleep in a controlled hospital or outpatient setting. This is the same level of care used for common procedures like tonsil removals or ear tubes. While every medical procedure carries some risk, the risks of leaving dental disease untreated—including chronic pain, facial swelling, and damage to developing adult teeth—are often far greater.
Preparation: Before the Appointment
To ensure your child’s safety, please adhere strictly to the following:
- Health Status: Notify us immediately if your child develops a fever, cold, or ear infection. We may need to postpone the procedure for their safety.
- Medications: Disclose all current medications and any known drug allergies or changes in medical history.
- Clothing: Dress your child in loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
- Fast Rules (NPO): * No milk or solid food after midnight the night before.
- Clear liquids only (water, apple juice, Gatorade) up to 6 hours before the appointment.
- Parental Presence: A parent or legal guardian must remain in the surgical waiting room for the duration of the procedure.
Recovery: After the Appointment
Your child will be drowsy and requires 1:1 supervision for the remainder of the day.
- Activity: Plan for a quiet day at home. Keep your child away from stairs or areas where they could fall.
- Safe Sleeping: If your child naps, place them on their side with their chin tilted up. Wake them every hour to check their status.
- Hydration: Encourage small sips of clear liquids every hour to prevent dehydration.
- Diet: Start with light, easily digestible foods once they can tolerate liquids.
- Nausea: If vomiting occurs, help your child lean forward and turn their head to the side to ensure their airway remains clear.
You will receive a detailed "Post-Op" packet and an emergency contact number before being discharged from the facility.
