About Dino the Dentist

 A number of different methods may be used to anaesthetize your child. The method below is by far the most commonly used. If a different method is to be used this will be discussed and described to you prior to the procedure beginning.

1. Half an hour before the anaesthetic is expected to start your child will be given a small volume of Panadol and Nurofen syrup to drink.
2. Panadol and Nurofen lessens discomfort on awakening. In cases where sedative is administered, the patient may become wobbly on their legs, so we ask you to keep a watchful eye. The sedative is a low dose to help the child be more accepting of the procedure. Very occasionally a child may become uninhibited and hyperactive from it. Your child should also be escorted to the toilet to empty his/her bladder immediately after taking the premedication before the premedication takes effect (usually 10-15 mins).
3. When we are ready to begin the procedure, your child is brought to the operating table. Parents are welcome to be present as the child goes to sleep to provide moral support for your child and we ask you to hide your own anxiety if possible. Most children go to sleep by breathing a smelly air. Our anaesthetic gases have improved markedly over recent years and most children accept the mask and gas with little protest especially if parents try the mask on first. Over 10-15 breaths the child goes off to sleep. Most children frequently move around during this process. Children will have strange breathing sounds whilst going to sleep. Please do not be concerned.
4. When your child is under anaesthetics, we request parents to relax in the waiting room. Alternatively, parents could go for a walk or have something to eat if you have been starving as well. Leave your phone turned on.
5. The anaesthetist places a breathing tube, usually through a nostril into the windpipe (this may result in a bloody nostril after the procedure). Additionally, a small intravenous tube, usually in the hand, will be introduced, to give anaesthetic drugs and a sterile saline solution, a ‘drip’, to keep your child well hydrated. Dr Dino will then begin the procedure. Your child is fully monitored and your anaesthetist remains with your child throughout the procedure.
6. When Dr Dino has finished the procedure the anaesthetic drugs are stopped and your child gradually awakens. The child is then transferred to the recovery bed. At this stage you will be asked in to be with your child. Depending on your child’s rate of awakening you may leave 45 minutes to 2 hours after the end of the procedure.

                                                                 COMPLICATIONS

Serious complications are fortunately very rare. Death due to anaesthetic would occur about once in every 150000 cases. If any, of the following complications are noted please follow the instructions given. A. Vomiting In the most unlikely event, your child is persistently vomiting  after leaving we suggest that you take your child to seek medical attention, either your G.P. or a hospital casualty. This will particularly apply in the hottest months. B. Serious Breathing Problems A serious breathing problem after leaving  would be extremely unlikely. In the event that your child was appearing to struggle for breath we would suggest that you either immediately take your child to a Casualty or call an ambulance urgently, depending on your proximity to a Casualty. C. Allergic Reaction An allergic reaction would normally be apparent before your child leaves .