Patient Info
Frequently Asked Anesthesia Questions
Does a legal guardian need to be present with my child on the day of their procedure?
Yes. State law requires that a legal guardian be present to give their consent for surgery to children under the age of 15 in Oregon or 18 in Washington. If a legal guardian cannot be present, the legal guardian must provide a note allowing the adult present with their child to give consent for surgery or the legal guardian will be contacted by phone on the day of surgery by our anesthesiologist to obtain verbal consent.
Why can't my child eat before surgery?
Your child must have an empty stomach on the day of surgery. The fasting rule is NO food or liquids (including water) for 8 hours before the procedure. It is very important that your child adheres to the fasting rules or the appointment may be canceled. The reason is this: under general anesthesia, the food contents in the stomach may come up the esophagus and into the mouth, then get aspirated into the lungs. This is a very rare but serious and preventable complication.
How will my child go to sleep?
One of the dental assistants, with whom your child may already be familiar, will take your child back to the treatment room, then a cherry-flavored mask is placed on his or her face. Anesthetic gas is turned on, and within a few nice deep breaths, your child quickly drifts off to sleep. An IV is started after they are asleep so your child will not see the needle. A breathing tube is then placed into the nose to help them breathe during surgery. Your child is kept asleep the entire time during the surgery, and prior to waking up, the IV and breathing tubes are removed.
Can I be with my child as they go to sleep?
Our policy is NOT to have parents in the treatment room. It is up to the anesthesiologist on the day of service to make the determination. We prefer that you are not there – here’s why:
How long will it take for my child to wake up from anesthesia?
The medications used are very modern, super short-acting anesthetics that wear off very rapidly. The wake up process usually takes only 10-15 minutes. As soon as it is safe, we ask you to come be with your child as they are waking up.
Why is my child grumpy or tearful after surgery?
Children may wake up grumpy and tearful after surgery. This is NOT because of pain, but because they may feel disorientated or dizzy. This may be the first time they have ever felt like this, and they are often confused. As they are awakening, it is best to talk to them and re-assure them you are at their side. Luckily for all involved, this grumpiness only lasts 5-10 minutes then goes away…..but unfortunately comes back when they become teenagers and seems to never go away.
When can my child eat after surgery?
Once awake, your child can eat immediately upon returning home. Start with liquids and then reintroduce soft solid foods.
Patient’s Rights
As a patient, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You can expect to be treated with respect and to have differences in cultural and educational background respected, without consideration of race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability status or the source of payment for your care. You have the right to privacy. You have a right to know what role any observer plays in your care, and the right to request that any outsiders leave your room.
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This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed, and how you can get access to this information.