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Comfortable dental care for children with extensive treatment needs or special needs.

General Anaesthetic

Dental treatment using general anaesthetic can be an ideal option for children who suffer from fear, anxiety or dental phobia. It may also be a comfortable option for treating kids with mental, emotional or physical special needs.

What Is General Anaesthetic?

Under general anaesthetic, a patient is in a controlled state of unconsciousness that eliminates awareness, movement and discomfort during treatment.

A specialist anaesthetist administers the anaesthetic at an accredited day surgery in a private hospital setting. The anaesthetist’s role is to ensure your child is comfortable and pain-free. The anaesthetist will stay with your child during the procedure and monitor them closely.

In Australia, specialist anaesthetists are among the world’s most highly trained doctors, having spent years training in anaesthesia, resuscitation, pain control and managing medical emergencies. We only carry out procedures in hospitals that are appropriately staffed and equipped to anaesthetise children.

When Do We Use General Anaesthetic?

We will discuss in detail with you if we recommend general anaesthetic for your child. The situations in which we may recommend general anaesthetic include:

For High Anxiety

When a child is very anxious, and they are unlikely to cope well enough for us to complete the dental treatment safely in the chair.

Complicated Treatment

When we need to carry out a complicated dental procedure, which would be more difficult for the child to tolerate while awake.

Multiple Procedures

If a child needs extensive dental treatment, which will be best completed in one appointment under general anaesthesia.

For Young Children

For the safety of a child who is too young to understand or adequately follow directions.

For Special Needs

For a child with special needs who has limited ability to be safely treated in the dental chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the recovery process after general anaesthesia?

Recovery after dental treatment under general anaesthesia varies for each child, but at Paediatric Dental Home, we ensure parents have comprehensive guidance for post-operative care at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong locations.

Recovery Overview

Immediately following the procedure, your child will be monitored in a recovery area until they regain consciousness. It's normal for children to feel groggy, disoriented or emotional when waking up. Our experienced team provides reassurance and comfort during this transition period.

Most children can go home the same day, typically within 2 to 4 hours after the procedure is completed. Before discharge, our specialists will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your child's treatment. We recommend having a responsible adult present for the first 24 hours after the procedure to monitor your child.

In the immediate 24 hours following general anaesthesia, your child may experience drowsiness, mild nausea, irritability or a sore throat. These side effects are temporary and usually resolve within a day. We suggest offering soft, cool foods and ensuring adequate hydration, while avoiding hot foods until the numbness has completely worn off.

Activity should be limited for the remainder of the day, with no strenuous play or sports. Most children can return to school or childcare the following day, though some may benefit from an additional day of rest depending on the extent of their treatment.

Our Team Is Here for Your Family

For pain management, we provide specific recommendations based on your child's individual needs, typically including children's paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed.

Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and address any concerns you may have. We're always available to answer questions during the recovery period, and our specialists at both our Hoppers Crossing and Geelong dental practices provide after-hours emergency contact information.

Every child's recovery experience is unique, and our team is committed to supporting families throughout the entire process with compassionate, specialised care.

What Happens Before the Procedure?

The anaesthetist will discuss the risks and benefits of general anaesthesia with parents prior to the procedure. We will also provide instructions regarding eating and drinking for your child. It is essential that you follow these instructions carefully.

What to Expect When You Come to the Hospital

When you arrive at the hospital, the nurse will provide an assessment of your child and ask some questions.

Then, you will speak to the anaesthetist, who will also examine your child before you move into the operating theatre.

Usually, one parent accompanies the child into the operating theatre and, when your child has been anaesthetised, you’re free to remain in the waiting area. For young children, the anaesthesia is commonly administered as a mixture of gases through a mask. The anaesthetist will review the appropriate methods for administering anaesthesia prior to the procedure.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Anuj Batra

Dr Anuj Batra initially qualified as a general dentist before undertaking specialist training in paediatric dentistry in New Zealand. He made Melbourne his home in 2012 and has since established ...

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Dr Alyssa Brooks

Born and raised in Melbourne, Dr Alyssa Brooks completed her undergraduate dental training at the University of Melbourne. Following graduation, she relocated to the Victorian country town of Shepparton to ...

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Dr Lucy Yu

Dr Lucy Yu graduated with her dental degree from the University of Queensland before pursuing specialist training in paediatric dentistry at the University of Sydney. Her extensive professional journey includes ...

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After the Procedure

Your child will wake up in the recovery room, and the nursing staff will continue to monitor your child and ensure they recover safely. Once your child is settled, the staff will give instructions and discharge you.

Please get in touch with us if you would like to discuss general anaesthesia in Hoppers Crossing or Geelong as an option for your child’s treatment.