Just as there are doctors who specialize in different aspects of children's care both in and out of the hospital, there are anesthesiologists with special training in the anesthetic care of children. Anesthesiologists personally perform the anesthetic
given to your child.  Premier Dental Anesthesiology is a sister company with Pediatric Anesthesiology Specialists which is the largest private practice pediatric anesthesiology provider in the
St. Louis Metropolitan area. 

 

The main goal of anesthesiologists is to provide safe conditions during surgery and comfort when the procedure is over.  They monitor breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation and are on guard for unexpected events which, although rare, may happen during surgery.  This begins by making sure that your child is in the best possible condition prior to surgery. 

 

You will be asked questions regarding his/her general health, prior surgery and anesthesia, and whether there is a family history of difficulties with anesthesia or surgery.  Please bring a list of any medications with dosages that your child takes either regularly or as needed.  The planned anesthetic technique will be explained to you, and you are encouraged to ask questions regarding any operative concern that you have. 

Most children require medicine to ease the separation from their parents.  This medication is usually given by mouth, but the anesthesiologist will select the type of medication and route of administration that is best for your child.  Anesthesia in children is usually started by letting them breathe anesthetic agents through a mask until they are unconscious with no needle sticks until after they are asleep.  Some children will need an intravenous injection to go to sleep.  

 

Upon awakening, some children are very alert and some are sleepy for hours.  Your child will continue to be monitored closely.  Pain management usually begins before the surgery starts as many of our premedications have some "painkillers" included.  This is usually supplemented after your child is asleep with intravenous injections or the injection of local anesthetics or numbing medicine.  Nausea and vomiting are occasional side effects after surgery but are treated very aggressively if they occur.